EDWARD Gillespie OBE DL is to succeed Dame Janet Trotter OBE DBE CVO as the Lord-Lieutenant of Gloucestershire

The Queen has appointed Mr Edward Gillespie OBE DL to succeed Dame Janet Trotter OBE DBE CVO as Lord-Lieutenant of ceremonial Gloucestershire on October 29.

Mr Gillespie currently serves as a Deputy Lieutenant for the county and has dedicated many years to championing local interests.

As the new Lord-Lieutenant, Mr Gillespie will be The Queen’s representative in Gloucestershire and South Gloucestershire, fulfilling a range of civic and ceremonial duties which bring together voluntary services, business and cultural life.

Mr Gillespie has lived in the county for 38 years, working as the managing director at Cheltenham Racecourse until 2012.

His home is in Gotherington, Tewkesbury Borough and he currently chairs the Summerfield Charitable Trust and Cheltenham Music Festival.

Edward Gillespie said: "It is an immense honour to be appointed as Her Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant in succession to Dame Janet.

"With assistance from a team of Deputy Lieutenants, I look forward to doing my very best to fulfil my responsibilities in connection with the Royal Family and those involved with civic, voluntary and military activities in Gloucestershire."

Dame Janet, who has held the role as Queen’s Representative in the county since 2010, said: “I am delighted by this appointment. Edward is well known in the county as an astute business person and as someone committed to a number of charitable roles and causes.

"I wish him well in a special role which comprises both serving the Monarch and the county of Gloucestershire”.