Former refugee becomes deputy lord lieutenant

Rizwan Rahemtulla said it was "a very, very proud moment" when he was appointed the first Muslim deputy lord lieutenant for Cambridgeshire

A former refugee who arrived in England in 1972 unable to speak English said it was "an absolute honour" to become a deputy lord lieutenant.

Rizwan Rahemtulla is the first Muslim to be appointed to carry out the ceremonial duties in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

Deputy lord lieutenants represent Lord Lieutenant Julie Spence, who is the King's representative in the county.

Mr Rahemtulla, who lives in Peterborough, said he sees his appointment as "a huge plus" for "the wider Muslim community".

The former child refugee says he "feels as if I am walking on the air when I put on the [lord lieutenant's] uniform"

His ceremonial duties will include greeting and accompanying royal members and heads of state on official visits to the county, the presentation of honours and awards and involvement in citizenship ceremonies.

Mr Rahemtulla works for Cambridgeshire Constabulary as an operational trainer, delivering or facilitating courses for newly-promoted sergeants and inspectors.

He said: "Being the first Muslim is a proud moment for me - and certainly my dad is very proud of me - and I'm sure the community, when they find out, will be saying, 'well done, you've achieved something positive for us'.

"It also reflects my faith because I believe that what I am doing is to be able to influence positiveness for all communities and that's what my faith wants from me - to speak goodness and kindness."

He was born in Uganda and was four years old when he became a refugee.

After about 12 years living in Scotland, Mr Rahemtulla moved to Peterborough, where he is the president of the Husaini Islamic Centre, chair for UNISON’s Self-Organised Black Members Group (Police & Justice Branch) and executive member of the Peterborough Inter-Faith Council, as well as being involved in charity work.