The former chairman of a Norfolk-based agricultural purchasing group who announced he is to step down has been convicted of burglary.

Christopher Papworth, known as Kit, who has held the role with Anglia Farmers (AF) for three and a half years, said he was to step down to complete an international travel scholarship, which is an annual scheme run by the Nuffield Farming Charitable Trust to develop farming industry leaders.

The 43-year-old appeared at Norwich Magistrates Court last month where he pleaded guilty in relation to an offence of burglary.

A spokesman for Norfolk police said: 'Forty-three-year-old Christopher Papworth of Beck Lane, Tuttington, pleaded guilty in relation to a burglary between Friday, September 5 and Sunday, September 7 this year.

'He appeared at court on November 25 and was sentenced to 80 hours community service and ordered to pay compensation.'

A spokesman for Anglia Farmers said: 'Kit Papworth has stood down from his position as Chairman of Anglia Farmers to allow him to complete his travels for his Nuffield Scholarship. The board of directors is aware of his personal situation but will not be making any further comment.'

Speaking after the case the victim, who did not want to be named, said she wanted to 'thank Norfolk Police who have been utterly outstanding in this'.

She added: 'They've supported us through it so much and have been wonderfully supportive to my daughter as well.'

Papworth will be replaced by the group's current deputy chairman Richard Hirst, who farms at Ormesby near Yarmouth, and has been on the board since 2011.