THE WESSEX Association of Chambers of Commerce welcomed four new patrons on Friday.

Ian Duffin from BT, Mark Allen from Best, Nick Davis from Gough's Solicitors and Peter Wordley from JPC Infonet all joined the chamber at a lunch held in Longleat House, Warminster.

Lord Bath, who is an honorary patron and owner of the Longleat estate, presented the four patrons with plaques.

Mike Williams, chief executive of the Wessex Chamber, said: "It went extremely well.

"It was a very informal gathering and was enjoyed by everyone who attended.

"It is a way of saying thank you to all the patrons and the presidents of the association for all their support.

"The new patrons will get involved with everything that the association is doing."

The WACC is the second largest association in the south west.

More than 12,000 businesses belong to it and the group provides networking opportunities and support for firms.

They lobby local and national government on behalf of businesses and organisations.

There are 28 patrons of the association who pay a patronage to receive benefits including free marketing.

The association covers 14 chambers in Wiltshire and Somerset and there are three types of membership.

Businesses can join individual town chambers, associated members join all 14 chambers and patrons are sponsors of the association.