NOT many octagenarians are still going to the office but Tavistock's Russell Woolcock, who has been recognised with an MBE for his services to agriculture and the rural community, remains a vital figure in the place he has spent his whole working life.

Since the age of 16, Mr Woolcock, now aged 81, has worked for Ward and Chowen as an auctioneer and chartered surveyor, based in the Tavistock Livestock Centre.

But agriculture has not only been an occupation for the Tavistock resident, it has been a way of life.

His commitment to various organisations, societies and group over many decades is exemplary and Tavistock Young Farmers' Club, the Dartmoor Commoners' Association, the Rotary Club and the Whitchurch and Sampford Spiney Sheepdog Trials are just some of those who have benefited from his knowledge and experience.

For the past 55 years, Mr Woolcock has been secretary of the Scotch Blackface Sheep Breeders' Association and president of the Tavistock Young Farmers' Club for 27 years, where he was given a 'This is Your Life' style honour for his 80th birthday.

He was instrumental in preparing the bill that went before Parliament which resulted in the 1985 Commons Act and the setting up of the Dartmoor Commoners' Council and was secretary of the West of England Livestock Show for many years.

And in between times Mr Woolcock has found an hour or two for the odd spot of gardening: 'No golf though, I have not got time for that,' he said.

For someone so active for so long in agriculture it may come as no surprise that Mr Woolcock, who was made honoured burgess of Tavistock in 2007, was named in the Queen's Birthday Honour's List but it was 'a bolt out of the blue' as far as the recipient was concerned.

'It really was completely unexpected when I got the letter asking me if I would accept the honour,' he said.

'I was thrilled to bits.'

Livestock centre manager manager David Landick said Mr Woolcock was an 'exceptional man': 'We are really pleased that he has been recognised for his charity work and involvement with clubs, societies and associations.

'He is a pleasure to work with and we feel he fully deserves the award he has been given.'

Mr Landick said Mr Woolcock's wealth of knowledge was invaluable.

'Ninety-nine times out of 100 if someone asks a question Russell will know the answer.

'If anyone has a problem they go and see Russell and he sorts it out. His memory is amazing and everybody knows him.

'He always has a story to tell which relates to something you are dealing with even if it's from 15 years ago. Russell's a real pleasure to have around and we would really miss him if he ever decided to give up working.'

Mr Woolcock said he had no intention of retiring: 'It's a way of life for me. Farmers never retire, they die with their boots on and I will keep going as long as I can.'

Auctioneer Andy Lane said Mr Woolcock had spent a lifetime putting the interests of local farmers and his beloved Dartmoor often before his own interests.

'He looked after agriculture long before he looked after himself and he more than deserves this recognition,' he said.

l Esmond Harris from Calstock was also awarded an MBE in the honours list for his services to forestry and conservation.

Mr Harris worked for the Forestry Commission before he retired and moved to Cornwall 20 years ago but since then has been involved in lots of voluntary work with the Silvanas Trust charity.

He has worked with children and young people and sought to bridge the gap between interested amateurs and professionals with talks, books and courses on tree identification and history. He has also promoted the re-dedication of small broadleaved woodlands.