Lord Lieutenant of Sussex Sir Peter Field knighted with special honour

Sir Peter Field was included in the New Year Honours List and received a special kind of honour - the Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (KCVO), which was a personal gift from the Queen.

The 74-year-old said: "I was very surprised first of all. 

"I didn't think I would get an honour and this is a personal honour from the Queen, so it's really nice she singled me out.

Sir Peter Field at a Remembrance service in 2016

"I'm delighted and feel greatly honoured. It's lovely."

Sir Peter, who has represented the Queen in East Sussex as Lord Lieutenant since 2008, was born in Brighton and has always been heavily involved in various work to help the community.

He previously worked as a chartered surveyor and helped introduce the Foyer Federation charity to the UK, which supports young people experiencing homelessness.

Sir Peter was also a magistrate for 20 years himself before he became lord lieutenant, and in this role he is responsible for magistrates and keeping the county records as Master of the Rolls.

As First Citizen of the County, his other duties include handling royal visits and awarding medals under Royal Warrant to members of the emergency services, as well as welcoming new citizens to UK citizenship.

Sir Peter, who is due to retire from the role in August, said he was sad the coronavirus pandemic has prevented him from carrying out his normal duties in person.

Sir Peter awarding the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service to the Argus Appeal. Left to right: Nicholas Owen, Tony Portelli, Lord Lieutenant Peter Field, Elsa Gillio, David Goldin, Sue Addis and Roger French

He said: "The lockdown is causing all kind of difficulties and it's really sad I can't get out there and meet people as I would normally do, and look after everyone as best I can.

"I was born in Brighton and my wife was born in Hove. 

"We've lived here all our lives and I have a great love for the city and the county."