A brave GP who served in Afghanistan has been appointed a Deputy Lieutenant of Kent.

Col Peter Gilbert, who practises at Thorndike Surgery in Rochester, spent three months treating soldiers injured on the front line in Helmand Province.

Col Gilbert, one of last year's Pride in Medway finalists, ran the main hospital at Camp Bastion.

Six deputies have been appointed, each of them honoured for positive contributions to the county and the nation.

They are the last Deputy Lieutenant appointments to be made by the present Lord Lieutenant, Allan Willett , who retires on his 75th birthday on Thursday.

His successor is the Viscount De L'Isle MBE, the present Vice Lord Lieutenant.

Mr Willett said: "We welcome these new Deputy Lieutenants whose great depth and variety of experience will be an asset to the Lieutenancy.

"They are joining a network of fine men and women whose role it is to support the monarchy and celebrate Kent, its unique history and culture, serve its communities and contribute positively to its future."

He added: "As the monarchy does nationally, our aim is to provide a focus for county identity, unity and pride, give a sense of stability, recognise achievements, success and excellence, and promote service to others."

Col Gilbert joined the Territorial Army aged 17 and was commissioned in the Royal Artillery before transferring to a short service commission in the Royal Army Medical Corps. He served until 1990, when he rejoined the TA and settled in Rochester.

He has been deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan and commanded the UK hospital in Camp Bastion in 2009.