AN Alresford man has been appointed as the new Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire.

Colonel Charles Ackroyd succeeds Rear Admiral Iain Henderson, who retired after serving six years in the role.

Colonel Ackroyd, who has lived in Hampshire all his life, served continuously in the Reserve Forces from age 17 to 60, firstly in the Royal Marines Reserve and then in the Parachute Regiment. 

He commanded Southampton University Officers Training Corps before becoming a senior staff officer and served in several appointments, including on operations. 

In his civilian career he qualified and practised as a solicitor before being appointed a District Judge, sitting in Portsmouth for 20 years. 

READ MORE: Hampshire Air Ambulance donation by former Lockerley First Responders

On retirement from the Bench, he moved to Alresford to enjoy its thriving community and the surrounding countryside.

Colonel Ackroyd, who has been a Deputy Lieutenant since 2013, said: “It is a huge honour and a privilege to be permitted to serve His Majesty and Hampshire in this way. I am thrilled.”

Lord-Lieutenant Nigel Atkinson said: “I am delighted that Colonel Ackroyd agreed to take on this role and look forward to working with him and our team of Deputy Lieutenants in the future.”