AN era draws to a close this month as the Lord Lieutenant of Herefordshire steps down after 31 years service.

More than 2,000 people gathered in Hereford Cathedral last Sunday to mark the retirement of Sir Thomas and Lady Dunne.

Sir Thomas, of Gatley Park, near Wigmore, has been Her Majesty’s representative in Herefordshire since 1977.

That dedication was marked last Sunday with a 90-minute service of celebration, attracting everyone from councillors and church figures to teachers and fundraisers. More gathered outside in the sunshine, and watched the couple walk through the West Door.

The service included hymns, poetry and tributes from the Dean of Hereford, The Very Rev Michael Tavinor .

“We are here today to celebrate and congratulate our Lord Lieutenant, Sir Thomas, and Lady Dunne, for their faithful work among us,” said the Dean.

“We thank them for their wisdom, enthusiasm and humour, and for their support in many, many ways.”

Sir John Cotterell, chairman of the Mappa Muindi trust and Vice-Lord-Lieutenant of Herefordshire, who also steps down with Sir Thomas, praised the couple.

“There are far too many people here today for me to name, but I know how much they’ve appreciated your support,” he said.

“Today is a testament to the respect and affection in which you are held.”

The couple – who were presented with engraved vases – are used to pomp and ceremony after three decades of service. Sir Thomas was recently created a Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter (KG), the UK’s oldest award of chivalry and granted by the monarch alone.

He was also created a Knight Commander of the Royal Victoria Order (KCVO) in the 1995 New Year’s Honours List, and was Lord Lieutenant of Hereford and Worcester before the counties split.

His replacement has not been announced – Sir John Cotterell joked that PM Gordon Brown had more pressing engagements – but Sir Thomas said he was humbled by the turnout.

“When they said they wanted a service in the cathedral I was little worried it would turn into a memorial service,” he joked.

“I would like to thank everybody who has contributed. I’m terribly grateful to the people who have come. It has been an absolute delight to see you.”