By Local Democracy Reporter Peter Davison
A familiar face from the world of television has been appointed to be one of the King’s representatives in Swindon and Wiltshire.
Flog It! presenter Paul Martin, who lives in Beanacre, is one of six local people appointed as a deputy lieutenant by the Lord-Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Dame Sarah Troughton.
He will join a team of 35 deputy lieutenants, who help the Lord-Lieutenant fulfil their role as the King’s representative in the area, including standing in for them at events when requested.
Deputy lieutenants represent the Lieutenancy at civic, community, faith, business and military events, from openings and services to parades and award presentations.
Paul has lived in Wiltshire for 30 years, a resident of Marlborough, Seend and now Beanacre. His passion is art and antiques and he has been a BBC presenter for 25 years.
He was running The Table Gallery in Marlborough when a BBC researcher spotted him and invited him to screen test for a new antiques show.
He presented Flog It! for 18 years until the final episodes aired in 2019.
He is now head of valuations at Henry Aldridge Auction Rooms in Devizes and is patron of a number of charities including the Bath and Wiltshire Air Ambulance, Royal United Hospital Bath, and The Heritage Craft Association.
Lord-Lieutenant Dame Sarah said, “I am delighted to appoint six new deputy lieutenants for Wiltshire.
“They all bring individual experiences from their different communities and areas, and it is a pleasure welcoming them to the team.”
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