Flags at half-mast for former Lord Lieutenant

Flags are at half-mast on Herefordshire Council buildings to mark the death of the county's former Lord Lieutenant.

Sir Thomas Dunne, who died on Monday at the age of 91, served as Lord Lieutenant from 1977 continuing in the role until 2008. A Lord Lieutenant acts as the monarch's personal representative.

After the flags were lowered, his wife, Lady Dunne, said she was "deeply touched by this remarkable gesture to honour my dear husband".

She said he had lived and breathed Herefordshire, the county he loved, and would be very humbled by the response.

"All our family are so grateful for the affection in which he was held by so many Herefordshire people," she added.

The current Lord Lieutenant of Herefordshire, Edward Harley, paid tribute to his "remarkable tenure as Lord Lieutenant for over 30 years".

Sir Thomas had been deeply respected by everyone who knew him and would be very missed, he said.

Chairman of Herefordshire Council, Councillor Roger Phillips, said: "Sir Thomas brought great dignity and commitment to public service over many decades, encouraging the military, business and community sectors in our county."

Sir Thomas first served as Lord Lieutenant of Hereford and Worcester.

After the two counties were restored in 1998, he became the Lord Lieutenant of both Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

He retired from his role in Worcestershire in 2001, but continued as Lord Lieutenant of Herefordshire until 2008.

In 1995, he was knighted as the Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order, and then in 2008 he was made Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter.

Flags will remain at half-mast for seven days, the council said, and a service of thanksgiving will be held in due course.

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