A widow has paid tribute to her beloved husband on the anniversary of his tragic death.

Rosemary Manns said her husband, Tom, was originally from Dymock, Gloucestershire, where his life and work were moulded by his parents and early employers.

He learnt the skills of the countryside and became an experienced ploughman, hedge-layer and commercial and pedigree stockman.

He worked on the farm at Westons in Much Marcle, which included a flock of sheep and the noted herd of pedigree Hereford cattle.

He also looked after and drove Westons’ shire horses, attending numerous events and weddings with them.

Hereford Times: Tom Manns was an experienced ploughman, hedge-layer, and commercial and pedigree stockman Tom Manns was an experienced ploughman, hedge-layer, and commercial and pedigree stockman

A keen football fan, he prepared and presented the bull on the pitch at Wembley when Hereford FC played in the final of the FA Vase in 2016.

About 20,000 were at the national stadium supporting Hereford FC that day, and it was the first time a bull was paraded under the iconic arch.

Horseracing and gardening were other passions which figured strongly in his leisure time.

As well as his great love and care of animals, he also had great people skills.

This was evident through his support of future generations through farming organisations, livestock societies and events such as Open Farm Sunday.

Mrs Manns said the greatest tribute that can be paid to her husband would be for others to pick up the baton of rural life.

She said: “This can be communicated through agricultural shows and countryside festivals, but it will need the committed and experienced views of devotees so to emulate Tom Manns.”