A NEW High Sheriff of Worcestershire has been appointed.

At a recent ceremony at Worcester’s Shirehall, Edward Holloway read out his formal declaration, promising to serve Her Majesty The Queen in the county.

The new high sheriff takes over the role from outgoing high sheriff Cassian Roberts.

During the ceremony, the Right Honourable Sir Andrew McFarlane told dignitaries gathered that he was sure the new incumbent would follow in the footsteps of recent high sheriffs who “had shown just how this ancient old office can be used to the public good.”

He added that the new high sheriff - a local farmer and businessman - had been a reluctant recipient who might have preferred a less prominent role - but had been persuaded to take up the position as he saw the opportunity offered by the office.

The role of high sheriff dates back to Saxon times when the sheriff was appointed to maintain law and order. Today it is an unpaid voluntary role, appointed by the Queen, now almost entirely ceremonial with the only significant legal functions related to enforcement of High Court writs.

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