A RAMSBOTTOM woman has been appointed High Sheriff for Lancashire and will be sworn in to the ancient office in a special County Hall ceremony.

Mrs Gloria Oates of Edenwood Lane, said it was a great honour to have been chosen by the Queen to be High Sheriff.

" I intend to uphold undiminished the traditions and responsibilities of this ancient office which has been part of our history for a thousand years," said Mrs Oates.

The High Sheriff is appointed by Her Majesty the Queen in her right as Duke of Lancaster.

At the installation ceremony she will make a declaration 'to serve the Queen's Writs and execute the good laws and statutes of the Realm.'

The office stretches back until at least the middle of the tenth century.

Mrs Oates, who is married with five grown up daughters, has made an exceptional contribution to the community in both a professional and voluntary capacity.

She began a career in the Health Service as a nurse and, after success at every level, is currently chief executive of Oldham NHS Trust.

Her voluntary service includes activities in the health sector, higher education and training and enterprise for industry.

She is also the Pro Chancellor of the University of Central Lancashire.