Champion ploughman John, 93, is still on the straight and narrow
This champion ploughman is still working the fields – at the ripe old age of 93.
Despite being officially retired, John Lomas from Rushbury, near Church Stretton, is often still hard at work on his tractor, helping his son-in-law Robert on his farm.
Mansfield-born John, who celebrated his birthday on Wednesday, has seen a lot of changes in farming over the years but he still loves to spend a day on the land.
He was born in 1921, the same year as comedian Tommy Cooper and actor Christopher Lee – the year the BBC was launched.
In 1951, Mr Lomas was national ploughing champion with a hydraulic trail plough and would have gone on to compete for England in the world championships – but they were still only competing with horses.
In 1956, he finished second and went on to the World Ploughing Championships, finishing in sixth place overall.
The great-grandfather retired from farming when he was 70 and moved to Shropshire. After his retirement he carried on judging national competitions until he was 90.
His grandson Matthew Orme said: "You are never too old to do what you love. If you look closely you will see he still produces the straightest furrows around.
"He has many fond memories of his competition days.
"What is his secret you might ask?
"Could it be spending a lifetime outdoors or is it just a good old fashioned diet with the likes of fried bread, liver and onions. Is it his daily bait box lovingly prepared by his wife Margaret?
"Or could it be that John likes to enjoy a sneaky whisky in his coffee.
"Whatever John's secret might be, I think we are all hoping that farming has something to do with it." Mr Lomas has three children, eight grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren with family now living as far afield as Canada and France.
He spent his birthday celebrating with family at home.
