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Tributes have been paid to dairy farmer and NFU dairy board member David Brookes, who has died aged 65.

NFU dairy board chair Paul Tompkins said: "David was a larger-than-life character whose passion and enthusiasm for farming and the dairy sector in particular was unrivalled. He will be greatly missed.

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"I was lucky enough to count David as a friend after first meeting him nearly 10 years ago when he was quick to offer me guidance and support. His wisdom helped steer the dairy sector though some challenging times including the SOS Dairy campaign.Ìý

"He was rightly proud of his achievements at Lower Loxley and when I visited the farm, I was always impressed by his focus on the future of dairy production.

"David was also a family man and always put great emphasis on the importance of multi-generational farming.

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"I know his untimely death will come as a great shock and I pass on my condolences to his wife Brenda and all his family and friends at this difficult time."