Two new deputy lieutenants have been appointed in Somerset.

Brigadier Nigel Beacom and Justin Sargent have joined the team supporting the lord-lieutenant.

Mr Beacom, a Wedmore resident, is a retired military officer with 36 years of service in the Territorial Army, now known as the Army Reserve.

Throughout his career, he held various leadership roles and became the first Army recipient of the Queen's Volunteer Reserves' Medal in November 1999.

He has also made his mark as a successful businessman, establishing two market research companies with numerous offices across the U.K.

Furthermore, he served on the Independent Residents' Panel of Avon and Somerset Police for three years.

Meanwhile, Justin Sargent of Ashwick, CEO of Somerset Community Foundation since 2005, has steered the development of the Foundation into the largest independent funder of local charities.

Sargent was honoured with an OBE in 2020 for services to the community of Somerset.

With a background in working with NGOs on food security and environmental issues, he carries this experience into his local leadership role.

Somerset's lord-lieutenant, Mohammed Saddiq, welcomed the two new appointees.

He said: "Nigel and Justin bring wide and varied experience to the Lieutenancy in Somerset.

"They will do a great deal to encourage, support and celebrate the lives and achievements of people and voluntary organisations in our county - and that is what the Lieutenancy is about."

Both deputy lieutenants expressed eagerness to begin their new roles.

Brigadier Beacom said: "I feel honoured and privileged to be appointed a Deputy Lieutenant.

"I am looking forward to doing what I can to support our communities in Somerset."

Similarly, Mr Sargent stated: "It’s a great honour and it’s humbling.

"I am looking forward to working as part of the Lieutenancy to raise the profile of local charities and philanthropy in our county."

With the addition of Beacom and Sargent, Somerset now has 34 Deputy Lieutenants.

These appointments are often made in recognition of distinguished service to the community, predominantly in a voluntary capacity.

Their commitment to the county will spread over a wide geographic area, promising increased support and recognition for the people and voluntary organisations that are integral to Somerset's community.