Paul Kelly being presented with the Rupert Chalmers-Watson trophy by Jeremy Blackurn, British Poultry Council executive

He was presented with the Rupert Chalmers-Watson trophy, an honour created in 1979 but not awarded for the last six years, at the British Turkey Awards in London.

British Poultry Council executive office Jeremy Blackburn, who explained the background to the trophy, said: "The criterion for the award is that it should go to those who have made an outstanding contribution and commitment to the turkey industry over a significant period.

"The list of those who have received the award over the years is a Who's Who of the founding fathers of the turkey sector."

Paul Kelly's own father, Derek, who started the Kelly Turkey Farms business in the early 70s, is himself a past winner of the trophy. Rupert Chalmers-Watson was a founder member of the then British Turkey Federation in 1951 and a pioneer of the British turkey industry, alongside names such as Bernard Matthews, Raymond Twiddle and Ron How. Rupert's widow Peggy created the award after his sudden death in 1977.

Paul Kelly said: "I remember the thrill my father felt when he received this award 15 years ago. I feel just as honoured and even more determined to carry on the traditions he started and our contribution to the British turkey industry."