GLOUCESTERSHIRE’S Lord-Lieutenant has announced five new deputies this week, including Cirencester entrepreneur Oliver Christie.

Dame Janet Trotter 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 on 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, a mobile games studio in 2010, employing 30 people from offices in Cirencester.

He has won numerous awards, including the Queen’s Awards for Innovation in 2013.

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.

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.

Lord-Lieutenant, Dame Janet Trotter 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.