THE long-serving secretary of the Dorset County Show insists she has done nothing wrong after resigning amid allegations of gross misconduct.

Sam Mackenzie-Green has expressed her sadness after standing down following 13 years of running the popular annual show near Dorchester but says she was left with 'no option'.

Her resignation comes after an investigation was launched by the Dorchester Agricultural Society board, and several other leading members of the society have also resigned in what one described as a show of support for the former secretary.

A letter sent to members of the society states that Mrs Mackenzie-Green, who was show secretary since 2001, was suspended on full pay pending an investigation into potential allegations of gross miss conduct against her.

During the investigation Mrs Mackenzie-Green resigned and, while the process continued and upheld the allegations of gross misconduct, she did not take part in the disciplinary hearing and insists she has not done anything wrong.

As well as Mrs Mackenzie-Green resigning, chairman for the past two years Rick Rogers and Graham Murgatroyd, who has been grounds chairman for the last six years, have left their posts – although they have remained as members of the society.

Mrs Mackenzie-Green said: “I felt I had no option but to resign unfortunately, it has not been particularly a decision I wanted to make.”

She added that it was ‘really sad’ to leave the show behind after 13 years.

Mrs Mackenzie-Green added: “I’ve not done anything wrong in my time as secretary.”

Mr Murgatroyd said he felt it was ‘important’ to resign from his role as grounds chairman to show his support for Mrs Mackenzie-Green and paid tribute to her achievements during her years as secretary.

He said: “I would like to take this opportunity to say what a great pleasure it was working with her for the last six years that I was grounds chairman.

“During that period I believe that there were many positives achieved and the increase during her 13 years in trade stands and gates saw each figure well and truly doubled in her time.

“I think it’s a very sad situation we now find ourselves in.”

In the letter to members, society chairman Wakely Cox stated that the board has sought the independent advice of a human resources consultant and a specialist employment solicitor.

He added: “As your board of management, we believe we have acted properly and totally in the interests of the society and within the law at all times.”

Mr Cox said went on to say that the show will continue unaffected and told the Echo he had nothing further to add than what was written in the letter to members.

There will be an annual general meeting for members of the Dorchester Agricultural Society at the Kings Arms Hotel in Dorchester on Wednesday, July 1.

The Dorset County Show will take place at the Cokers Frome showground just outside Dorchester on Saturday, September 5 and Sunday, September 6.