One of Britain's best loved actors, a GP and a leading light in the Women's Institute movement have all been appointed deputy Lord Lieutenants for the Isle of Wight.
They are Geoffrey Hughes, whose characters in an acting career spanning
50 years include Coronation Street binman Eddie Yeats, Twiggy from the
Royle Family and Onslow from Keeping up Appearances, Dr Charles Mobbs, a
former IW High Sheriff and current deputy police surgeon and Mrs Anne
Longford, chairman of the IW Federation of WIs and a well known local
businesswoman and volunteer.
The three have been chosen by IW Lord Lieutenant Maj Gen Martin White,
approved by HM the Queen and the appointments advertised in the London
Gazette.
Their role will be to deputise for the Lord Lieutenant - the official
link between the Island and Royalty - at official engagements.
Mr Hughes, 65, who lives near Newport, was a regular visitor to the
Island before moving here with his wife Susan in 2003.
Dr Mobbs, 64, of Newport, is a partner in the Dower House Surgery in
Newport and has also served as a member of the former IW Community
Health Council, assistant deputy coroner and special deputy coroner.
Mrs Longford, 57, of Fishbourne has owned and run a holiday cottage business since 2001. She Is currently serving her second term as chairman of the IW Federation of
WIs and has previously served on the board of trustees for the National Federation of WIs.