THE newly-appointed Lord Lieutenant of Somerset will become a patron of Somerset Day, its founder has confirmed.

Mr Mohammed Saddiq, who became His Majesty's Lord Lieutenant of Somerset at the end of October, will use the role to engage with and support the county's business community and voluntary sector.

Mr Saddiq is an associate fellow of the Institute of Chemical Engineers, fellow of the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management and fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.

He has held senior engineering and management positions in the water and waste industry over the past 20 years.

He is passionate about sustainability and caring for the environment.

Mr Saddiq has many charitable interests and set up a partnership with Wessex Water and The Prince's Trust to mentor young people in difficult circumstances into employment.

Mr Saddiq, 52, lives in Midford, near Bath, with his wife Paula and five children.

Nigel Muers-Raby, founder of Somerset Day, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Mohammed as a patron.

“He wants the Lieutenancy to contribute to the sense of pride and place that is enjoyed by many people in Somerset and he shares our passion in his desire to support Somerset’s communities, organisations and independent businesses”.

He joins existing Somerset Day patrons Anne Maw, the Duke of Somerset, the Revd Michael Beasley, the Revd Ruth Worsley, Michael Eavis CBE, Clinton Rogers and  Edward Bayntun-Coward. 

Somerset Day is celebrated on May 11. The date was chosen by an online poll held in 2015 in which more than 8,000 people voted.

The day is organised by the not-for-profit Passion for Somerset Community Interest Company.