MP's wife Rose Paterson among five new deputy lieutenants for Shropshire

They include Rose Paterson, the wife of North Shropshire MP Owen Paterson. She and the other deputies have been commissioned to represent and support the Lord-Lieutenant Sir Algernon Heber-Percy, who is the Queen's representative in Shropshire, and to promote the well-being of the county.

All the deputies are committed to supporting the lieutenancy in any way they can, while remaining conscious that the Lord Lieutenant represents the Queen in the county.

Deputies are entitled to use the letters DL behind their names and usually come off the active list at their 75th birthday - or 10 years in post, whichever is the later, or if they cease to be able or willing to undertake Lieutenancy duties.

However, a Deputy Lieutenant who leaves the active establishment may be permitted by the Lord-Lieutenant to keep the use of the letters DL and to wear the authorised uniform on appropriate occasions.

The other new deputies are businessman David Sear of Rowton near Telford, long time chairman of the trustees of Severn Hospice who officially retires from the post in October.

Mr Sear was appointed trustee and director of Severn Hospice in September 1995 and chairman in August 2008

Edward Dugdale from Tickwood Hall near Much Wenlock, is the son of the late Lady Kathryn Dugdale who was a lady-in-waiting to the Queen for many years.

He and his wife Anna now run Tickwood Care Farm, where a range of facilities offers help to adult offenders, excluded young people, those with learning difficulties and mental illness.

When Princess Alexandra visited the Shropshire Star to help mark our 50th anniversary recently, she also spent a morning at Tickwood Care Farm looking at the projects the scheme offers. And after a stoic walk through acres of woodland looking at the facilities, she declared herself extremely impressed with what was available to so many who needed a little extra care and a helping hand.

Rhoderick Swire of Ludlow who has had a long career in business, finance and company directorships.

And Col Mark Cuthbert-Brown CBE of Pentre who fought in Iraq, Rwanda and the Balkans and won a Queen's Commendation for bravery for humanitarian work. He worked with the Lord Lieutenant's team to help make the visit of Her Majesty the Queen to Cosford in 2012 the great success it was.

The Hon Mrs Paterson was a valuer at Sotheby's for 22 years before working for her husband both in the constituency and in Westminster. The couple's Shropshire base is near Ellesmere.

One of the team of county deputies is appointed vice Lord-Lieutenant who takes on duties represents the Lord Lieutenant, and represents him when he is absent or otherwise unable to act.

The current holder of that position is Col Edmund Thewles OBE.

Role as deputy lieutenant explained:

Our own Shirley Tart is a Deputy Lieutenant herself. She explains her role.

Being able to be of service to your local community, and sometimes farther afield, has always seemed to me to be not just worthwhile but something we ought to be doing – especially those of us fortunate enough and well enough to be able to help out.

Something the five new deputies we are welcoming to the team this week, will have no problem with: they are already part of that line of service which actually is also a mark of Shropshire folk – whether they are native to the county or have moved here and stayed.

And we have fantastic examples in our Lord Lieutenant and his wife Lady Jane, who go more than the extra mile and always give of their absolute best for Shropshire.

One of the duties I enjoy so much is welcoming new citizens who come to settle here and, in turn, become part of our vibrant county patchwork, bringing new skills, new ideas and often a new vision to all our lives.