The commitment to Norfolk of six local figures has been praised by the county's Lord Lieutenant Richard Jewson after he has appointed them to be his deputies.

Jamie Athill, Louis Baugh, The Marquess of Cholmondeley, His Honour Philip Curl, Anna Dugdale and Sara Foster have all been approved to the prestigious post by The Queen.

Lord-Lieutenants are appointed for each county as the Queen's representative and they are responsible for the arrangements for all Royal visits, presenting medals and awards, advising on submissions for honours nominations, preparing the guest list for Royal garden parties and they also provide advice.

The deputies will represent the Lord-Lieutenant at important events from time to time. There are now 40 Deputy Lieutenants in Norfolk, including Vice Lord-Lieutenant, Lady Romney.

Mr Jewson said: 'These individuals have already shown a great commitment to Norfolk and fully deserve the recognition they have received. I am sure they will complement our group of existing deputies who are also dedicated in their endeavours in and around Norfolk. I know our new deputies will carry out their duties with equal distinction.'

Colonel Athill was commissioned in the Royal Green Jackets and served in Northern Ireland and the Middle East. He retired from the army in 2011 and currently chairs the Norfolk Forum of the Reserve Forces and Cadets Association. Mr Baugh has a farming and tourism business in Neatishead and is president of the Norfolk Federation of Young Farmers Clubs and the secretary of state appointed member of the Broads Authority. The Marquess of Cholmondeley has been in charge of family estates in Cheshire and Norfolk, including Cholmondeley Castle and Houghton Hall since 1990. He is also the hereditary Lord Great Chamberlain of England, as the representative of The Queen in the Palace of Westminster.

Judge Curl has held various posts including recorder, circuit Judge and designated family judge for Norfolk.

Mrs Dugdale is a former chief executive of the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital and a founding member of Norwich Research Partners LLP and the Norfolk and Suffolk Dementia Alliance.

Mrs Foster has given many years of public service including to the Norfolk Churches Trust, Tittleshall Parochial Church Council, and has helped fundraise for charities including Norwich Cathedral and Help for Heroes.