Praise for Hilgay allotment holder for six decades as tenant

A village allotment holder has received recognition for his dedication as a tenant.

Hilgay Parish Council presented a certificate of recognition to Eric Watson, a tenant for more than 60 years.

When councillors found out about his long tenancy, they felt he deserved recognition for his dedication.

When Eric first took on an allotment in the early 60s he had a larger plot and grew enough carrots to supply a local vegetable merchant along with fruit and vegetables for his family.

Eric said: “I’d go out and wash the carrots after I’d had my tea, then they would come and collect them.”

Parish clerk Karen Williams liaised with Eric’s granddaughters so that councillors could surprise him with a certificate and a small gift from the garden centre in the village.