10:00pm Friday 1st March 2013
By Duncan Leatherdale
THE Lord Lieutenant of County Durham has started his hand over to his successor with a celebratory dinner.
Sir Paul Nicholson will step down as the Queen’s Representative after 16 years in the role when he celebrates his 75th birthday on Thursday (March 7).
A special retirement dinner has been held as a celebration of his time and the work put in by his 47 deputies.
He also presented his successor Sue Snowdon with a badge which she will now wear during her formal duties.
Sir Paul was appointed as one of the Queen’s 98 Lord Lieutenants in 1997 and his duties have included escorting members of the Royal Family on their tours of the county.
He also approves County Durham residents for honours and, in cases where recipients are unable to travel to Buckingham Palace, presents medals on the Queen’s behalf.
Sir Paul said he has enjoyed his time as lord Lieutenant and expressed a firm faith in Mrs Snowdon’s ability to take on the job.
She will officially start in the role on Friday (March 8).
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