SEVEN new Deputy Lieutenants of Kent have been appointed, each of them honoured for their positive contribution to the county and/or the country.

The seven are Robert Alston CMG, QSO (New Zealand), of Lydd-on-Sea, Colonel (Ret’d) Peter Bishop OBE, who lives in Willesborough, near Ashford, Tim Brett JP, from Chilham, Jeremy Leigh Pemberton CBE, of Wormshill, Sittingbourne, Philip Merricks MBE, of Rye, Group Captain Patrick Tootal OBE RAF(Ret'd), of Leybourne, and Professor Robert Worcester, from Wateringbury.

Announcing the appointments, the Lord Lieutenant of Kent, Allan Willett, who is the Queen’s representative in the county, said: “We warmly welcome these outstanding personalities to the Lieutenancy.

“They are joining a network of fine men and women whose role it is to support the monarchy and celebrate Kent, its unique history and culture, serve its communities - and contribute positively to its future.

The Lord Lieutenant said Mr Alston had a distinguished career in the Diplomatic Corps and his advice to the Lieutenancy of Kent’s relationships with the county’s neighbours would be invaluable.

Col Bishop had been a dynamic Commandant of Kent Army Cadet Force and brought with him outstanding youth leadership qualities. Tim Brett was a major figure in Kent and had given help to many charitable organisations in the county.

Jeremy Leigh Pemberton, brother of the former Lord Lieutenant, was honoured for his enormous personal contribution to the life of the county.

Philip Merricks had contributed greatly to the environment of Kent while Group Captain Patrick Tootal was doing wonderful work with the ex-Service community - and for the Battle of Britain Memorial Trust.

Professor Robert Worcester, an American citizen, had done a great deal for this country and Kent in particular, and brought a wealth of valuable experience to the Lieutenancy.

Professor Worcester is chairman and founder of MORI, Britain’s largest independent market research and social research institute. He is also a recently appointed director of the KM Group.