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

Mr Pearson said he was “hugely honoured” to be invited to take up the post, which will see him representing the monarch at a wide range of 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. “It’s a dream job for me.”

The voluntary role has already involved Mr Pearson in carrying out a variety of 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 and it was through his rail service that the seeds of his appointment were sown.

“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, teaches at universities and has been a magistrate for 17 years.