AN entrepreneur based in Cirencester was "flabbergasted" when the Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire asked him to be one of five new deputies last week.

Oliver Christie, founder of mobile games studio Neon Play, said Dame Janet Trotter's invitation came "out of the blue" but he was "hugely honoured".

Dame Janet has been the Queen’s ceremonial representative for the county since October 2010 and is responsible for a wide range of duties, including civic events.

She announced her five deputies – Oli, Eve Jardine-Young, Mark Hurrell, Roger Deeks and Vivienne Hargreaves last Tuesday.

The position of Deputy Lord Lieutenant is an honorary and voluntary one, with those selected going on to support events and carry out duties across the county.

The five new deputies have all made considerable contributions either to national life, their local communities or both.

Oli founded Neon Play in 2010, employing 30 people from offices in Cirencester.

He is also the founder of Rock the Cotswolds, a not-for-profit enterprise that champions a different side to the district, to help attract staff, businesses and visitors to the area.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard:

"I have known Dame Janet Trotter since 2013, when Neon Play were very lucky to win a Queen's Award for Innovation," Oli told the Standard.

"After that we also hosted the Duke of Kent for a royal visit at our studio, and Dame Janet was instrumental in organising that trip.

"We have bumped into each other at various Gloucestershire events over the last few years, and out of the blue, I got a call from her asking me if I would like to be a Deputy Lieutenant.

I was completely flabbergasted that she had even considered me, but hugely honoured to be given the chance to support her in the inspiring work she does in Gloucestershire," said Oli.

He went on to say: "I could be helping Dame Janet with anything from citizenship ceremonies to public engagements to military events to royal visits. It is totally up to her!"

"All in all, I'm greatly looking forward to meeting many inspiring people around the rocking Cotswolds," he added.

In regards to the other deputies, Eve Jardine-Young is the current principal of Cheltenham Ladies’ College, while Mark Hurrell recently retired from his position as managing editor of BBC Radio Gloucestershire after 14 years at the helm.

Roger Deeks held senior posts in the NHS, working in community and mental health services, and later in higher education.

Vivienne Hargreaves has held a range of journalistic roles in the county, including editor of The Forester newspaper from 2000-2013 and editor-in-chief of County Publications.

Dame Janet said: “I am delighted to announce these five new deputies who will assist in the work of the lieutenancy.

“Their diverse backgrounds provide us with deep roots into the county and will help us to continue to serve it effectively in future.”

Gloucestershire has had a Lord-Lieutenant since 1559.

The role was originally tasked with training local men and leading them against rebels and foreign invaders.