TRIBUTES have been paid to Hugo Brunner who is stepping down after 12 years as Oxfordshire's Lord Lieutenant.

Since being appointed as the Queen's representative in Oxfordshire in 1996, Mr Brunner has been a central figure in practically every royal visit - ranging from ceremonial events to church services, awards, openings and presentations.

Mr Brunner, who retires in August, said, "It has been a privilege to serve the Queen in Oxfordshire - the most enterprising of counties.

"I will be 73 in August and I now have many family commitments, particularly grandchildren, with five at the moment and two more to be born this year."

He added: "I have enjoyed myself enormously. Oxfordshire is an outstanding area in terms of innovative industry and high tech companies, but also for its charitable enterprises which the public support - for example £13.9m raised for the children's hospital.

"As Lord Lieutenant, I have been fortunate to be able to connect with these amazing enterprises."

Lord Lieutenants are usually in office for at least ten years and retire between the ages of 70 and 75.

During his time as Lord Lieutenant Mr Brunner has been involved in launching initiatives in the fields of education, the environment and heritage.

He was a prominent figure behind the Oxfordshire Independent/State Schools project, the only bridge-building project of its kind.

He also went on to oversee the completion of the Oxfordshire Jubilee Wildlife Spaces project, which created 10 such spaces across the county.

The restoration and maintenance of church buildings has always been one of his great passions and under his chairmanship of the Dorchester Abbey Campaign, more than £3.25m was raised toward the restoration of one of the county's greatest buildings.

He previously served as High Sheriff in 1988.

Mr Brunner's father Sir Felix Brunner, was the former Liberal President, while his mother, Lady Brunner, was a chairman of the National Federation of Women's Institutes and founder of the Keep Britain Tidy Group.

Mr Brunner spent much of his working life in publishing, holding senior positions with many publishing houses, including the Oxford University Press and Chatto and Windus.

Joanna Simons, chief executive of Oxfordshire County Council, said: "Hugo has been a wonderful Lord Lieutenant.

"He is much loved across the county for his dedication and the way in which he makes everybody he meets feel very special. We will miss him hugely."

Mr Brunner's successor has not yet been announced.