THE new High Sheriff of Worcestershire has been sworn in.

Nicholas Wentworth-Stanley, who lives in Broadway, near Evesham, has taken up the role, replacing Penelope Lewis, from Elmley Castle, near Pershore.

The post holder is the Queen’s judicial representative in the county. Mr Wentworth-Stanley was sworn in at Shire Hall, Worcester, before an audience of invited guests who had links with the office of high sheriff and the judiciary.

The 58-year-old, who was educated at Eton, comes to the role after an illustrious career in the world of finance, serving as director and chief executive of several high-profile insurance and underwriting firms.

And he said he had no hesitation in accepting the role when it was offered to him and looking forward to his year in office.

“It certainly is a big honour and a great privilege to be able to perform this role for the county of Worcestershire,” he said.

Mr Wentworth-Stanley serves as a non-executive director of several companies, as well as an executive director of i2 Office, a national provider of serviced offices. He is married to Millie and the couple have three children.

He also has two children from a previous marriage. Mr Wentworth-Stanley is also the founder and trustee of the James Wentworth-Stanley Memorial Fund, a charity he set up after his son James tragically took his own life in 2006.

The charity helps to prevent suicide, particularly among young men.