Midlands Air Ambulance chairman among those appointed as Deputy Lieutenants

The boss of a Black Country food company, a former GP and the chairman of the Midlands Air Ambulance are among six new Deputy Lieutenants for the West Midlands.

They will support the work of the Lord-Lieutenant, Paul Sabapathy, representing the Royal Family across the area.

The men have been chosen for their 'significant contributions' either to national life or their communities.

Kuldip Tony Wouhra, managing director of West Bromwich-based East End Foods is one of them.

The company employs around 325 staff at its base in Kenrick Way, West Bromwich, including 23 members of the Wourha family, and turns over more than £180 million a year. It has also opened a huge wholesale store at the site of the former HP Sauce factory in Aston.

Dr Satya Sharma, former chairman of Wolverhampton Local Medical Committee and a retired GP who worked at Bilston Health Centre in Prouds Lane, has also been given the honour. He is vice chairman of the British Medical Association Midlands Council.

Brendan Connor, chairman of Midlands Air Ambulance and deputy chairman of the Royal Air Force Museum, is also a deputy as is David Clarke, managing director of Birmingham-based marketing and communications consultancy Clarke Associates and Dr Hamid Mughal, director of global manufacturing for Rolls-Royce.

The sixth is Professor Nigel Thrift, vice-chancellor and president of the University of Warwick.

Mr Sabapathy, said he was delighted with a 'distinguished group of public spirited and able individuals from different walks of life across the West Midlands'.

He said: "They join our existing group of highly committed and hugely capable Deputy Lieutenants to serve the 2.7 million citizens in the West Midlands – which is the second largest lieutenancy in the country.

"They will be helping me as Lord- Lieutenant to represent Her Majesty in the West Midlands to the very highest standards that she expects and demands."

Deputy Lieutenants carry out tasks including promoting awareness and understanding of The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service and the Queen's Awards for Enterprise as well as commending candidates for invitation to a Royal garden party and identifying and recognising any potential honours nominations. They can also suggest suitable businesses, organisations or groups, both voluntary and professional, for a Royal visit. Deputy Lieutenants may also participate in citizenship ceremonies.