LORD Lieutenant of Somerset Mohammed Saddiq has become patron of Somerset Chamber of Commerce.

Mr Saddiq accepted the ambassadorial role during a dinner for business leaders and said it was a privilege and he looked forward to working with the chamber to celebrate enterprise and innovation.

He said: “Somerset has a proud and diverse business community.

“Our businesses are the backbone of Somerset’s economy, creating jobs, supporting families, and playing a vital role in sustaining and strengthening our local communities.

“As Lord Lieutenant, I have the great honour of representing His Majesty the King in Somerset, and through the work of the Somerset Lieutenancy, we seek to promote everything that is best about our county, championing enterprise, encouraging civic pride, and recognising excellence through honours, awards, and visits.”