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Regional editor becomes Deputy Lieutenant for county

A regional daily editor has been appointed to a prestigious position representing the county where his paper is based.

Peter Barron, editor of The Northern Echo, has been made a Deputy Lieutenant of Durham, a role in which he helps to represent the Queen in the county and champions the area.

He was picked for the permanent role by the Lord Lieutenant of Durham, Sir Paul Nicholson, and before the honour could be bestowed, the Queen had to say that she “did not disapprove of the appointment”.

Peter was presented with the military commission at a dinner last Friday at which he was the guest of honour.

He said: “It just means that I am the representative of the Queen in County Durham and I am expected to represent the county and champion it, which I am happy to do.

“I was asked if I would consider doing it. I thought it was an honour for me and also for the paper.

“It just seemed to be right to say yes to it. I will do my best to represent the county.”

A Lord Lieutenant may appoint a number of deputies to assist them with their duties.

Peter has been editor of the Echo for 14 years and last year became a published children’s author with the release of his first Monstrous Morals book, Fartin’ Martin Sidebottom.

2 comments

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  • February 27, 2013 at 12:26 pm
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    Can’t help feeling that this is wrong. Editors should not be cosying-up to the establishment and accepting ancient and meaningless military titles. Instead of editing his paper he’ll be expected to stand in a line while Prince Andrew, all expenses paid, opens the latest Spar corner shop. Peter Barron for Pope?

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  • March 1, 2013 at 11:36 am
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    Knighthood next – for services to Hold The Front Page?!

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