A LOWER Peover man has been appointed by The Queen as the Vice Lord-Lieutenant for Greater Manchester.

Paul Griffiths, 64, is chairman of the Gorton Monastery Trust having been born in the Manchester north suburb, and will now line up behind Lord Lieutenant Warren Smith.

A former deputy lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Paul co-founded the Monastery of St Francis and Gorton Trust along with his wife Elaine in 1996, when the site was including the 100 most endangered sites in the world alongside Pompeii and the Taj Mahal.

It now flourishes as a corporate, cultural and community events venue.

Paul said: “It is a great honour to have been appointed to serve as Vice Lord-Lieutenant and I know I stand on the shoulders of many in this dynamic and inspirational county who have gone before me.

“As Greater Manchester is the largest county outside London, with some 2.8 million people living here, I understand the importance of building a bridge and connectivity with the business community, while continuing to champion, together with Lieutenancy colleagues, the truly outstanding and tireless work of volunteers.”

When called upon, Paul’s role will include coordinating visits of royalty to the county, and liaising with branches of the armed services.

He will also present medals on behalf of The Queen.