One of Britain’s best loved actors, along with a GP and former high sheriff and a leading light in the Women’s Institute movement have all been appointed deputy Lord Lieutenants for the Isle of Wight.

They are Geoffrey Hughes (pictured last month), whose characters in an acting career spanning 50 years include Coronation Street binman Eddie Yeats, Twiggy from the Royle Family and Onslow from Keeping up Appearances. 

Dr Charles Mobbs, a former IW High Sheriff and current deputy police surgeon and Mrs Anne Longford, chairman of the IW Federation of WIs and a well known local businesswoman and volunteer.

The three have been chosen by IW Lord Lieutenant Maj Gen Martin White, approved by HM the Queen and the appointments advertised in the London Gazette.

Their role will be to deputise for the Lord Lieutenant – the official link between the Island and Royalty – at official engagements.

Announcing the appointment, Maj Gen White said:

“These three deputies have already contributed a great deal to life of the Island and I know they will continue to do so.”

Mr Hughes, 65, who lives near Newport, was a regular visitor to the Island before moving here with his wife Susan in 2003. Keen on boating, he has an interest in natural history and the Island’s bio-diversity and is patron of the Red Squirrel Trust.

He is also an active supporter of many local charities and organisations including the Earl Mountbatten Hospice, Cowes Inshore Lifeboat, the RNLI and St Mary’s Hospital.

Dr Mobbs, 64, of Newport, is a partner in the Dower House Surgery in Newport and has also served as a member of the former IW Community Health Council, assistant deputy coroner and special deputy coroner. Dr Mobbs was the Island’s high sheriff between 2000 and 2001 and is president of the IW branch of the British Red Cross Association. Married to Nicola, he enjoys sailing and growing trees.

Mrs Longford, 57, of Fishbourne has owned and run a holiday cottage business since 2001. She is currently serving her second term as chairman of the IW Federation of WIs and has previously served on the board of trustees for the National Federation of WIs. She enjoys volunteer work, fundraising gardening, singing and cookery.