A former soldier and MP, Bob Stewart, has accepted an invitation to take the role as chair of the Friends of the Cheshire Military Museum.

This follows Cheshire Museum's receiving a £2,000 grant from Army Museums Ogilby Trust (AMOT), which will go towards modernising displays and other projects.

Bob Stewart DSO, a former commander of UN forces in Bosnia, served in the Army for 28 years - including seven tours of Northern Ireland and as United Nations Commander of British Forces in Bosnia.

He went on to take up the position of chief of policy at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, before officially retiring from the army in 1996.

Following his military service, he worked in PR and as an MP from 2010 to 2024.

In Parliament Bob served on the Defence Select Committee, the Northern Ireland Select Committee and the NATO Parliamentary Assembly (Image via: Cheshire Military Museum)

In Parliament he served on the Defence Select Committee, the Northern Ireland Select Committee, the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, the Intelligence and Security Committee and the Joint Committee on National Security Strategy.

His DSO (Distinguished Service Order) was awarded for service in Bosnia for leadership and gallantry.

Bob Stewart said: "The Cheshire Military Museum does great work reflecting how the County contributed to our armed forces for over 300 years.

"It also plays an important part in educating students and the public whilst providing a focal point for veterans and serving soldiers."

He is also a best-selling author of 'Leadership Under Pressure' and 'Broken Lives: Personal View of the Bosnian Conflict' and is a TV personality, raconteur and campaigner for causes related to service life and defence policy.

His DSO (Distinguished Service Order) was awarded for service in Bosnia for leadership and gallantry (Image via: Cheshire Military Museum)

Mike Huntriss, vice chair of Friends of Cheshire Military Museum, said: "Colonel Bob's reputation will help support and raise the profile of the Museum nationally and locally, helping to secure its future.

"We look forward to seeing him at our events."

Bob Stewart has accepted the post following the death in May 2024 of Brigadier John Thomson, who was well known at Upton High School as a teacher for many years and as managing director of Spinney Day Nursery in Hoole.

Cheshire Military Museum is open from 11am to 4pm, Thursday to Sunday and is currently seeking volunteers who have a few spare hours each week.

More information can be found here.