THE man behind Yorkshire's biggest event in the agricultural calendar has lost his battle against cancer.

Robin Keigwin, who was chief executive of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, which organises of the Great Yorkshire Show, died on Tuesday.

Senior members of the farming industry in Yorkshire have paid tribute to Mr Keigwin, who was 56, and his work on the show.

He took up his post as chief executive of the show in 1992, after a career in the army.

But in March last year, he became ill and began battling cancer.

John Stoddart-Scott, chairman of the Society said: "Robin made a major contribution to maintaining the Great Yorkshire Show as one of the premier agricultural events in Great Britain.

"Robin was committed to ensuring that the Society was at the forefront of promoting agriculture. We will miss his wisdom and counsel."

National Farmers' Union spokesman Rob Simpson, said: "Mr Keigwin was in charge of one of the most prestigious agricultural shows in the UK, which succeeded in attracting tens of thousands of visitors each year."

Mr Keigwin was born in Yorkshire, but the family moved from Kettlewell to Exmoor.

Following a 29-year-career in the Irish Guards, he retired at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, moving to Masham.

Mr Keigwin played a crucial role in helping to realise a £12 million project to build conference facilities at the showground in Harrogate.

He leaves a widow, Prue, and two sons, Richard and Michael.

Throughout his life he maintained an interest in country ways including National Hunt racing, shooting and fly-fishing.

Updated: 08:49 Thursday, February 07, 2002