Haworth man David Pearson has been appointed a Deputy Lieutenant of West Yorkshire.

Mr Pearson said he was “hugely honoured” to represent the Queen at engagements.

“I have always been an ardent monarchist so when I was asked to perform this role I was overcome – I couldn’t speak,” he said.

The voluntary role has involved Mr Pearson in carrying out duties, from attending a Commonwealth Day celebration at Mirfield to running citizenship ceremonies.

And next month he will unveil an anniversary plaque at Wyedean Weaving in Haworth, which made the accoutrements for his uniform.

Mr Pearson, 58, has been involved with the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway since childhood. “I organised a couple of visits of the Duke of Kent to the railway and I met the clerk to the Lieutenancy – and things went from there,” he said.

Mr Pearson runs a training business with his wife, Elaine, and teaches at universities.