Caroline’s surprise at role

Caroline Nicholls, 56, of West Way, High Salvington, officially became deputy lieutenant on Monday.

Mrs Nicholls said: “I was absolutely surprised, I didn’t see it coming at all. I feel very honoured and I’m very much looking forward to acting as an ambassador for the county and helping the Lord Lieutenant.”

Deputy lieutenants are chosen in recognition of distinguished service to the community, predominantly in a voluntary capacity.

Duties can include representing the Lord Lieutenant at formal functions, award ceremonies, citizenship ceremonies or attending Remembrance Day services.

Mrs Nicholls said she received a letter from the Lord Lieutenant asking if she would be prepared to have her name put forward for the role.

The pair got to know each other when Mrs Nicholls was trustee and vice-chairman of the Sussex Community Foundation.

She said: “She obviously felt I had something to offer and I will do my best to fulfil that.

“If I can help do some good for the county through the role that’s what I will be keen to do. The family are very excited about it.”

Mrs Nicholls currently works part-time for London Heathrow Airport Communities Trust – a charitable grant-making trust.

She has held a variety of positions within the county throughout her career.

She began her career in Worthing in 1980, working as a journalist for the Evening Argus.

She has since been a director and board member of Gatwick Airport, has run her own communications consultancy – working with organisations such as Action in Rural Sussex, and was a board member of the former Sussex Downs Conservation Board – supporting the development of a new communications strategy in the build up to National Park status.

She has also been involved with the Sussex Community Foundation as a trustee and vice-chairman, and supported the launch of a fund for Adur and Worthing, in conjunction with the Worthing and Adur Chamber of Commerce.

A former ladies captain of Worthing Golf Club, she is married and has two adult children.