Enormously missed: Sheep producer was passionate advocate for farming

Tributes have been paid to Leicestershire farmer and former NFU livestock board chairman Charles Sercombe, who has died following a cancer diagnosis.

Mr Sercombe farmed a commercial flock of 1,000 sheep and arable enterprises with his wife Helen and family at Sandlands Farm – a county council smallholding at Frisby on the Wreake, near Melton Mowbray.

A passionate advocate for tenant farmers and the sheep sector, he served four consecutive terms as NFU Melton Mowbray branch chair (2007-2010), before becoming NFU national livestock board chairman in 2012 – a post he held for six years.

NFU deputy president David Exwood said: “Charles led the national livestock board through a time of great uncertainty for the beef and lamb sector. His dedication and knowledge at such a time were invaluable and he will be fondly remembered.

“It’s very sad and a great shock that his life has been cut so tragically short at a time when he still had so much to give. Our thoughts are with his wife Helen, children Victoria, William and Grace and family.”

Mr Sercombe was also national chair of the Charollais Sheep Society. A keen stock judge, he sat on various boards, groups and government committees – including Defra’s Animal Health and Welfare Pathway Steering Group.

NFU Council delegate and farmer Sarah Bell described Mr Sercombe as a champion for his fellow farmers. She said: “Charles did a tremendous amount of work for the sheep sector and wider farming community.”

Former NFU Melton Mowbray group secretary Steve Jeal, who knew Mr Sercombe for 35 years, said: “He was a hugely loyal Melton branch member, supremely intelligent and a brilliant branch chairman.

“He knew the farming community like the back of his hand and was the sort of guy who would do anything for anyone.

“The loss is going to leave a cavernous hole in his family and friends’ lives and I will miss him enormously.”