A forester from the Holkham Estate in Norfolk received a surprise award when members of the Royal Forestry Society (RFS) from across the country visited the Sotterley Estate in Suffolk as part of a five-day tour of East Anglia.

Freddy Futter, 68, who lives in Holkham, Wells-next-the-Sea, was presented with an award by RFS President Andrew Woods while on the visit to the Sotterley Estate – recognising Freddy’s 40 years working on the Holkham Estate’s 870 hectares of woodland, work which has included helping to extract fine hardwood timber.

Head forester Harry Wakefield said: “Freddy has been an asset to the Holkham forestry department over the last 40 years. His experience, pride and knowledge of the woodland has been invaluable.”

Freddy said: “The day was very enjoyable and informative. I have to say that I was overwhelmed and very much surprised to be given the award and I would like to thank Harry and the Holkham forestry team for their support.”

Approximately 500 hectares of the woodland is contained within Holkham Park. A further 145 hectares is within Holkham National Nature Reserve.