HEREFORDSHIRE’S latest High Sheriff says he can’t wait to get going.

Edward Harley will hold the historical role, which dates back to the 11th century, for the next 12 months.

The 54-year-old, who lives with wife Victoria and their four daughters in Brampton Bryan, north Herefordshire, was officially sworn in during a ceremony at Hereford Shirehall.

Attending was Judge Sir Andrew McFarlane and the chief constable of West Mercia Police, David Shaw, as well as outgoing Herefordshire High Sheriff, Major Patrick Darling.

The High Sheriff ’s duties include attending Royal visits in the county and supporting High Court Judges when on circuit.

They lend encouragement to public sector agencies such as the probation and prison services and to voluntary sector organisations.

“It’s an honour to do it,”

said Mr Harley. “The job includes being the recording officer at the general election count in Herefordshire which should be interesting.

I’m really looking forward to it. There are some notable events during the year including the 300th anniversary of the Three Choirs Festival.”

Mr Harley studied at Cambridge University where he read land economy.

He has been involved with a number of charities, particularly in the heritage and arts world, and chaired the Cazenove Charitable Trust and the Heritage Conservation Trust.

He is also a governor of Burghley House Preservation Trust and is on the council of Tate Britain.

He recently stood down from the Samuel Courtauld Trust having been a trustee for 12 years.

For many years he was involved with Save the Children Fund and in 2009 was awarded the ‘Save the Children Outstanding Contribution to Children’ award.

In Herefordshire he has been involved with the cathedral for many years and is currently deputy chairman of the Dean and Chapter Finance Committee and a trustee of the Mappa Mundi Trust. He is also president of the friends of the Herefordshire Record Office and a vice-president of the Herefordshire Wildlife Trust.