Father and Son Harvest NGO Golden Pheasant

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There will be extra dusting to do at the home of one gamekeeping family following the 2013 National Gamekeepers' Organisation Golden Pheasant Trophy clay shoot, as a father and son duo from Essex carried off the trophies after winning their respective classes.

The dad in question was well-known Audley End headkeeper and NGO Vice-Chairman Geoff Garrod, who won the Golden Pheasant Trophy with a score of 81. His 14 year-old son, Justin, was the U21 category winner.

Every 100-bird sporting Golden Pheasant Trophy shoot is always a good mix of banter and fierce competion and this year's event, kindly hosted by Lady Arran at Castle Hill Estate in Devon, proved to be no exception. A big turnout of keepers criss-crossed the country to take part in the competition. Many were from far afield. One of the furthest to travel, drove to Devon from Northumberland in order to shoot and support the NGO.

The 2013 Golden Pheasant Trophy runners-up were: Nick Beavis on 79, with local keeper Rob Eggins shooting 78. The 2012 Golden Pheasant winner, Tony Thompson, got in on the act again by winning High Gun with a tally of 83.

Geoff Garrod, who as 2013 winner must now organise next year's shoot, said: "This is the second time I have won the NGO Golden Pheasant Trophy. I always like shooting this event and it's a great honour to win it and take the trophy home after such a close fought tussle, in great company. Full marks, too, to my 14 year-old son Justin who won his U21 class. I'll have to keep on my toes in the future or he'll be beating me next. I'm also very much looking forward to running the 2014 shoot, which will be held back home in Essex."

The NGO would like to thank all the shoot sponsors including: Kings Gamecover and Conservation Crops for the magnificent Golden Pheasant Trophy, BOCM Pauls, Bright Seeds, Ladds Guns, Mole Valley Farmers and St David's Vets as well as Sportsman Game Feeds who ran a raffle that raised more than �500 for the NGO.

Tim Weston, the NGO Development Officer, said: "The NGO Golden shoots are an excellent way to meet other keepers and catch up with old friends. The �40 entry fee provides extraordinary value for money as it includes clays, cartridges and lunch. The NGO would like to thank all the sponsors - without whose support the NGO would not be able to lay on such a great value day."

Look out for the NGO Golden Grouse Clay Shoot on 5 June 2013 at Allenheads, Northumberland. For more information please telephone 01833 660869.

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Notes to Editors

- For further information on this release please contact Julian Murray-Evans on 01766 523795 or email jmurrayevans@btinternet.com

- Picture caption - Like father like son: Justin Garrod U21 winner and headkeeper Geoff Garrod, winner of the 2013 NGO Golden Pheasant Trophy.

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