A BUSINESSMAN who has created a multinational firm with 500 staff is set to be appointed Lord-Lieutenant for North Yorkshire.

Global Service and Manufacturing Group chairman Barry Dodd will succeed Lord Crathorne as the Queen's personal representative for the county on Friday (September 12).

Lord Crathorne, one of the 90 hereditary peers elected to remain in the House of Lords, is retiring the lieutenancy after 15 years.

Mr Dodd, who is chairman of York, North Yorkshire and East Riding Enterprise Partnership and chair of the University of Hull council, also devotes a large amount of time to voluntary activities.

He said: "It is a huge honour to be appointed as Her Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant for North Yorkshire; the most wonderful county in England.

"This is not a role anybody can apply for so the initial invitation letter from the Prime Minister came as a complete surprise.

"I look forward to working with my deputy lieutenants on a mission to bring the benefit of the amazing fairy dust of the monarchy to as many organisations as possible.”

Mr Dodd's responsibilities will include the presentation of decorations, the organisation of official royal visits and the promotion of co-operation and good atmosphere in business and social spheres.

The honour follows the CBE he was awarded earlier this year for services to the UK economy, and his subsequent appointment as a deputy lieutenant.

North Yorkshire County councillor Gareth Dadd welcomed the appointment, adding Mr Dodd would embody the modern monarchy andprove a "magnificent ambassador" for the area.