THE Chairman of The Fusilier Museum has been bestowed with a royal honour.

Colonel Brian Gorski has been appointed as a deputy to the man who represents the Queen in Greater Manchester.

The Lord Lieutenant is Her Majesty The Queen’s personal representative in the region, and Col Gorski will undertake official and ceremonial duties on behalf of the Greater Manchester Lieutenancy.

Col Gorski, who lives in Bolton, served with the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers from 1975 to 2005, and was Colonel (Lancashire) Royal Regiment of Fusiliers from 1999 to 2011.

Col Gorksi has been credited for transforming the regimental presence in Lancashire, and making the headquarters and museum in Bury into institutions that are “at the heart of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers and the envy of other regiments”.

He said: "It is a great honour to be recognised for the charitable work I have done and I am very pleased to be able to serve Great Manchester in this appointment.

"I hope I can contribute further to the success of the Metropolitan County and support the Lieutenancy office in carrying out its duties."

Col Gorski added:"The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers has a strong history and presence in the North West and this appointment reflects well on that proud history and presence.

"This appointment confirms the high regard in which the regiment is held.

"In particular, the regiment is so pleased that one of its family has been selected for the appointment of Deputy Lieutenant in order to ensure the close ties are maintained into the future."

In 2006, Col Gorksi was a member of a welcome party which greeted the Duke of Kent when he visited Bury to attend a Fund Raising Luncheon in aid of the Fusiliers Museum. He then gave a short presentation to civic guests and supporters of the appeal on the museum project.

The current Lord Lieutenant — Warren Smith — was appointed in 2007. Those appointed are said to have been "chosen for their endeavours over many years working to enhance the fabric of Greater Manchester".