Derrick Blaxell, a keen sportsman who farmed in Antingham, near North Walsham, died on October 1 after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease.

Last year, his White Lodge Farm became a national focal point for the campaign against the government's plans to scrap inheritance tax relief for farms valued over £1m - leaving his family facing a "career-ending" £700,000 bill which would force the sale of the farm.

Mr Blaxell passed away before ministers announced a climbdown on the controversial policy just before Christmas, raising the threshold to £2.5m, with the allowance transferrable between spouses. The changes will come into effect next month.

After a "harrowing" year, his family is no longer liable for the tax, so it can look ahead to a brighter future - symbolised by the arrival of his namesake Derrick, a bull calf born into the farm's Hereford herd on January 22.

Norfolk farmer Derrick Blaxell, who died in October 2025 at the age of 89 (Image: Blaxell family)

Mr Blaxell's son, Chris Blaxell, said: "We just thought it'd be a really nice thing to do. He's a good, strong calf, and I see him as being one that we will sell as breeding stock, rather than just going for prime beef. I hope in a year or so, we'll be able to sell him to another farmer to benefit their herd.

"My father loved everything about cattle farming. And that's where my passion has come from. From being very young, I would be out in the cattle yards with him, strawing down and feeding - and occasionally getting in the way."

Norfolk farmer Chris Blaxell has named one of his Hereford calves Derrick in memory of his father (Image: Chris Blaxell)

Mr Blaxell, who now runs the farm in partnership with his wife Lorraine and mother Judy, said recent events have lifted the family business out of liability for inheritance tax.

But he said the tax worries had made the last 11 months of his father's life an "absolute horror", adding: "The idea of losing my father and the business, all in one fell swoop, was awful. I don't ever want to go through anything like that again.

"I don't think my father was aware of the inheritance tax thing at all. That was a huge relief to us, because it would have just been unbearable, the anguish it would have caused him."

Last year, Lib Dem leader Ed Davey visited the farm to highlight opposition to the government's so-called "family farm tax", which was subsequently watered down after months of industry pressure.

That move was welcomed with relief in the industry, but Mr Blaxell said the campaign continues, adding: "There are a lot of larger family farms in the area that I know are still very concerned about it."

Norfolk farmer Chris Blaxell with his Hereford calf named Derrick in memory of his father, who died in October at the age of 89 (Image: Chris Hill)

Derrick Blaxell began farming in partnership with his father and brother Hickling, before moving to Antingham with his wife in 1969.

They expanded the farm to 320 acres, and its pedigree Hereford beef herd has 28 cows, which have delivered 26 calves this year, with two more expected.

Mr Blaxell was an avid sportsman, and was a national champion boxer during his National Service in the RAF in the 1950s. He won titles previously held by Brian London, a sparring partner who went on to become British heavyweight champion.

He also excelled at football and cricket, playing Eastern Counties League football for Gothic FC in Norwich, and opening the bowling for the cricket club in Ingham for about 17 years, before also playing at Cromer and Bradfield.

He played golf in later life and was a fan of watching football at Norwich City and rugby at North Walsham.

© Eastern Daily Press