SIR Anthony Winnington, who lives at Shelsley Beauchamp, has been appointed the new High Sheriff for Worcestershire.

He made his declaration during a ceremony at the Shirehall, Worcester in front of High Court judge the Rt Hon Lord Hughes of Ombersley.

Sir Anthony, who succeeds Michael Hogan of Tenbury in the post, comes from an old Worcestershire family who have lived and farmed in the Teme Valley since the mid 17th century. Three of his ancestors were High Sheriffs for Worcestershire in the 19th century and no less than five represented various constituencies in Worcestershire as Members of Parliament.

He said: "The role of the High Sheriff over the last thousand years has evolved into a largely ceremonial one of upholding and supporting the principal organs of the constitution - the Royal Family, the judiciary, the police and other law-enforcement agencies. The office is non-political and unpaid. I'm not a burden on the public purse and will only be in office for one year.

"I feel it is a great privilege to have been asked to undertake this role and hope I can uphold and enhance this very ancient office. In addition to the roles I've already mentioned, I will do my best to highlight and support the often overlooked and not adequately acknowledged legion of volunteers in all walks of life here in Wonderful Worcestershire. High Sheriffs were mentioned in 26 of the 63 clauses of the Magna Carta, the 800th anniversary of which is particularly relevant to our county given that King John is buried here in Worcester."

Sir Anthony, who is 66 and married to Alexandra, has three grown up children and two grown up step children. He pursued a career in the financial sector in London and was a member of the London Stock Exchange before retiring and moving back to Worcestershire in 2004. He has spent the last ten years reorganising and managing the family estate in the Teme Valley.