LORD-Lieutenant Shuttleworth has announced a new Deputy Lieutenant of the county

Mrs Catherine Penny, 66, will become a Deputy Lieutenant of the County after being appointed High Sheriff of Lancashire in April this year.

Mrs Penny, of Dutton Hall, Ribchester has had a long and successful career in horticulture where she set up her own plant nursery specialising in old fashioned roses, including The Red Rose of Lancaster.

She said: "It's an honour to be a Deputy Lieutenant of the county and I shall do my best to fulfill my duties of the role.

"I'm delighted to support the county in any way I can."

Since selling her nursery in 2002, Catherine and her husband Andrew have advised on plants and gardening from their home, which has notable collections of trees and shrubs.

Lord Shuttleworth said: "I am delighted that Mrs Penny has agreed to join the Lieutenancy, and will be available to support me and help with the many organisations and people with which the Lieutenancy works."

Mrs Penny will join the existing team of Deputies who help and support the Lord-Lieutenant in his duties as Her Majesty The Queen’s representative in the county of Lancashire.