BUSINESSMAN and chairman of Great Harwood Agricultural Show Geoffrey Hanson, of Great Harwood, has died at the age of 90.

Born February 1927, Mr Hanson was the former chairman of the Hyndburn Conservatives for four years and took over the animal feed department of his family’s business Hanson Feeds Ltd in 1945, at the age of 18.

Passed down through the generations to Mr Hanson and his brother the business continues to trade in Victoria Mill in Great Harwood.

He was the chairman of Great Harwood Agricultural Show for 50 years before becoming president of the society and over saw the show move from Wood Street, Great Harwood to its current 40 acre home on Harwood Lane, Whalley Road, which was met with great encouragement from his peers and revitalised the importance of the agricultural show, securing its survival for future years and allowing it to grow, as well as, provide more space for local businesses and charities to attend the event.

Husband of Margaret, who died in 1995, Mr Hanson formally served in the Royal Air Force from 1947 to 1949 as Clerk General Duties and was mainly stationed in Egypt.

During this time his duties consisted of servicing all of the air carriers and the running of the flying bus service around the Mediterranean.

This year he was presented with the Honorary Freedom of Borough title by Hyndburn Council in recognition of his service and achievements.

BBC Radio Lancashire presenter and friend of Mr Hanson, Stephen Lowe said: “Lancashire has lost a fine and upstanding pillar of the community.

“He was certainly a shining light in the agricultural community and he set a standard for others to follow in terms of modernising the agricultural shows.

“It was a great honour to see him receive the Freedom of the Borough. He will be very, very much missed by many people.”