A former high sheriff of Essex has been named as a patron of a Great War aerodrome.

Jennifer Tolhurst, who is also the Lord-Lieutenant of Essex, has been announced as a patron for Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome.

Mrs Tolhurst served as high sheriff from 2005 to 2006 and was appointed Lord-Lieutenant of Essex in August 2017 taking over from Lord Petre.

During her career Mrs Tolhurst created the Danbury and Little Baddow branch of the NSPCC and chaired the Prince’s Youth Business Trust in Essex.

She was also a magistrate and vice chairman of the governors of New Hall School in Chelmsford.

Mrs Tolhurst lives in Danbury with her husband, Philip. They have three grown-up children and seven grandchildren.

Peter Martin, chairman of the Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome Trust, said: “We are honoured to have the new Lord-Lieutenant of Essex as one of Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome’s patrons.

“As part of her role, she will be championing the aerodrome, and highlighting the unique site and its ever-growing range of events, activities and conservation programmes”.

For more information about Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome visit www.stowmaries.org.uk.