THE former owner of Oldown Country Park, near Bristol, has taken up his post as vice lord lieutenant of Gloucestershire.

Robert Bernays was until recently chairman of the Bristol-based St Monica Trust, which has provided support and accommodation for older and disabled people for 90 years.

Last year Mr Bernays was awarded an OBE for services to the community in the South West and now replaces recently retired Major John Eyre as vice lord lieutenant of Gloucestershire, which also takes in the unitary area of South Gloucestershire.

In his role, Mr Bernays will deputise for Dame Janet Trotter – the Queen's ceremonial representative for the county – when she is unable to attend events.

He said: "I feel very honoured to have been appointed vice lord lieutenant and look forward to supporting the lord lieutenant."

Mr Bernays built up and ran Oldown Country Park at Tockington, near Thornbury, with his wife, Alison, for 25 years.

They now live near Wotton- under-Edge and Mr Bernays remains involved in several local businesses and charities. He is also governor of several schools.