EAST Lancashire businesswoman and magistrate Amanda Jane Parker has been appointed as Lancashire’s next High Sheriff by The Queen.

The 52-year-old who lives in the Ribble Valley, will be officially sworn-in to office as one of Lord Lieutenant Lord Shuttleworth’s assistants at a special ceremony at County Hall, Preston on Friday, April 10.

MORE TOP STORIES:

The role of High Sheriff is to “protect and assist in upholding the dignity and wellbeing of Her Majesty’s judges and to represent the Queen’s executive powers in respect of the administration of justice in the county”.

The small business start-up expert, who has two university student children, Eleanor, 21 and Roland, 20, plans to establish a social media presence when she takes over the post currently held by Barry Johnson.

The former Clitheroe Royal Grammar School pupil has been a magistrate on the East Lancashire bench since 2006.

She has been a governor at Thorneyholme Roman Catholic Primary School, Dunsop Bridge, since 1999.

Mrs Parker said: “I was absolutely delighted and surprised to be chosen.

“Being selected for such a historic and traditional role is a great honour and an opportunity for me to make a difference.

“I am particularly interested in sport activities for young people and feel very strongly that everyone should have the opportunity for a good start in life.

“I intend to raise the profile of the role of High Sheriff and of the many volunteers in the county whose work so often goes unrecognised.

“My first initiative will be to create a website for the High Sheriff of Lancashire and use Facebook and Twitter to highlight and draw attention to organisations and individuals who contribute so much to our county.”

The office of High Sheriff is carried out on a voluntary basis and does not receive any salary or expenses.