A NEW honorary colonel has been appointed for the King's and Cheshire Regiment (KCR), one of the North West's two territorial army infantry units.

Change at the top follows the retirement of Col Ian Paterson and Col William Bromley-Davenport, who together have completed a remarkable combined total of 100 years' service with the armed forces.

Brigadier John Thomson has just taken over in his new role from April 1.

KCR had two honorary colonels, one for each of the two battalions that combined to form the KCR in 1999.

Col Paterson, a former Deputy Lieutenant of Merseyside was honorary Col for Kings Regiment and Col Bromley-Davenport, currently Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire, was hon Col for Cheshire.

Lieutenant Col Peter Rafferty, commanding officer of KCR, praised their achievements.

He said: "They have made a significant contribution to our evolution, having given tremendous support to the KCR, as well as its forbears, for many years. We wish them both well for the future."

The companies train in Liverpool, Widnes, Stockport, Manchester, Crewe and Northwich.

ALL CHANGE: Pictured (from left) Brigadier John Thomson, new honorary colonel, KCR, Col Chris Harris of Liverpool Scottish platoon, Lieutenant Col Peter Rafferty, commanding officer KCR, Col Ian Paterson, retired honorary Col (Kings), Col William Bromley-Davenport, retired honorary Col (Cheshire), Major Simon Wildgoose, second in command KCR, Major Nigel Hine, regimental secretary, The Cheshire Regiment and Col Martin Amlot, regional secretary, The King's Regiment. (Photo supplied)