A CONSULTANT from Preston has been honoured with two prestigious appointments.

Mr Iain Robertson OBE has been appointed Brigadier of the Territorial Army Medical Services for the whole of the UK.

Mr Robertson who is consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at the Preston Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, is the first consultant in the North West to be chosen for such a post. At the same time, he has also been appointed as the Queen's Honorary Physician.

He said: "I am honoured to be appointed Brigadier of the TA Medical Services. This is a very challenging and important role."

As the Brigadier, it will be Mr Robertson's job to advise the regular army on how best to recruit, train, lead and deploy the medical assets within the TA.

He said: "I aim to improve and develop the medical operational effectiveness of the TA medical services."

Mr Robertson who joined the TA in 1969 as an infantry soldier, was commissioned as an officer in 1971, and last year was appointed an OBE in recognition of services to the TA.

He has worked for the Preston Trust for 14 years. Brian Booth, chair of the Trust, said: "The Trust is very pleased that Iain Robertson has been appointed to this national leadership role. He has made a significant contribution to the TA which has been recognised by his promotion to this prestigious post."

Mr Robertson's new role is for a three-year term, during which time he is expected to visit TA bases throughout the country.