A NEW High Sheriff of Worcestershire has taken up his role. Richard Amphlett was appointed on April 8 to hold the position for 12 months. It's something of a family tradition for the 55 year-old. His ancestor William Amphlett held the position three times in the 18th century, along with a number of other Amphletts over the years. Mr Amphlett, who lives in Tenbury Wells with wife Annabel and sons George and Patrick, is managing director of insurance brokers Cox Mahon.

He has pledged to support organisations battling to help the county recover from the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic, including mental health charities.“I’m extremely honoured and proud to take on the role as the new High Sheriff of Worcestershire,” said Richard, who grew up in Ombersley and has lived in Tenbury for 20 years. I’d like to pay tribute to my predecessor, Mark Jackson, for his tireless work - both physically and virtually - in supporting communities and organisations across the county throughout the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic.The impact on mental health is of particular personal concern and I will be aiming to shine a positive light in supporting mental health charities and initiatives helping all age groups and communities.” Richard is a trustee of the Abberley Hall Foundation and the Regal Tenbury Trust, has a long-standing connection with Bromsgrove Rugby Club, belongs to the Worcestershire Archery Society, and is a keen skier and cyclist.

Out going High Sheriff Mr Jackson said: "It has been a privilege and an honour to meet so many extraordinary people doing so much to help their neighbours. Thank you."

The office of High Sheriff is the oldest royal appointment, represented in every county in England and Wales, and its history and tradition predate the Norman conquest.

The candidate is invested following a ‘pricking’ ceremony at a Privy Council meeting, where the Sovereign still pricks the appointee’s name with a bodkin.

It makes the High Sheriff the Queen’s highest judicial officer in the county, and the role involves a range of ceremonial, charitable and community functions.

“I’m proud to call Worcestershire my home,” he added. “It’s a varied, beautiful and progressive county, and the Amphlett name has a deep-rooted and longstanding connection with it.

“I’m honoured to spend the next year in the service of the Queen.”

Over the next 12 months, Richard will work closely with the Worcestershire Community Foundation, which distributes money to charities on behalf of the High Sheriff’s Fund.

Any organisation working to improve mental health, particularly in relation to the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, is asked to email worcestershire@highsheriffs.com

Follow Richard in the office of High Sheriff on Twitter at @HSWorcs and Facebook at The High Sheriff of Worcestershire.