The Devon County Show is set to have a royal visitor, as Her Royal Highness The Countess of Wessex was elected as President of the Devon County Agricultural Association (DCAA) for 2017.

The Countess is a keen supporter of British agriculture, and agricultural shows, and is patron of the Association of Shows and Agricultural Organisations (ASAO), which represents agricultural shows across the country.

The Countess last visited the show in 2009, accompanied by The Earl of Wessex, when they met hundreds of people involved in many walks of life from agriculture to the military.

Speaking at yesterdays AGM of the DCAA at its Westpoint headquarters near Exeter, Devon, The Countess said that she was greatly looking forward to her year in office.

She said: "I am honoured and delighted to be the president of The Devon County Agricultural Association this year.

"Supporting our farmers and the industry is a priority for me in my work and I very much look forward to my role with this unique part of our country and its special agricultural show."

Mary Quicke MBE, from the DCAA, said: "We know from our colleagues at those and other shows have told us, and from The Countess' involvement with the ASAO, the very real interest that HRH takes in every aspect of running a successful show, and that she will be very much more than just a ceremonial president.

"To have a Royal President is a great honour for the DCAA and the Devon County Show, and I'm sure it is the start of a great year ahead."