BROMSGROVE'S ancient Court Leet has chosen its new bailiff for the next 12 months.

He is chartered surveyor and estate agent Adrian Powell, a partner in the St John Street family firm established in 1946 by his late father, A Victor Powell, who was bailiff in 1962.

Mr Powell, from Fairfield, was sworn in at the autumn court held in Cookes Room, Bromsgrove School, on Thursday. Representatives from neighbouring courts were also present.

Mr Powell joined the court 12 years ago as a juryman. This was followed by ten years as breadweigher before he became reeve last year.

Donning the bailiff's robes, he said: "I will strive to uphold the 800-year-old traditions of the court as well as arranging social events for members and the people of Bromsgrove."

The new reeve is retired building estimator David Turner, from Finstall.

The role is his reward for having organised 16 of the 17 successful Elizabethan street markets held in High Street on Fair Day.

The new market master is financial advisor Chris Firminger, a neighbour of Mr Powell's, in St John Street.

His father, Paddy, was bailiff in 1988.

Outgoing bailiff, Bromsgrove born and bred Tim Harris, managing director of Baylis's, in High Street, said he had enjoyed his year in office.

During his term he raised £2,000 for his chosen charities, Leukaemia Research and the John Hunt Meningitis Research Fund.

More than £1,000 of that sum, which is a record, was a result of the bailiff's dinner held last month.

Louis Broomfield, aged 81, from New Road, stood down from the role of searcher and sealer of leather he has held for 12 years.

Following in his shoes is new tythingman Martin Connellan. Appropriately, he trades as the Bromsgrove Cobbler, in Church Street.

Another trader, Simon Cupitt, a jeweller in the Strand, was sworn in as a juryman.