IT was on the most patriotic day of the year that a 1,000-year-old Lancashire title was passed on to its latest holder.

Lady Anne Mary Shuttleworth, pictured, from Carnforth - wife of the Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire, Lord Shuttleworth - was overjoyed at her installation as the new High Sheriff of Lancashire on St George's Day.

The Queen elected to choose Lady Shuttleworth for the role and it was her husband, with head held high, who presented her with her the Sheriff's patent and a glowing tribute at County Hall.

Around 60 people, including the Shuttleworth's family and Lancashire County Council leader John West, attended the event.

Lady Shuttleworth, a mother-of-five, said: "The position means a tremendous amount to me and it is a great honour to have been chosen.

"It is a very important, long-standing role and I am looking forward greatly to an interesting and busy year.

"I will be working with the Lancashire Partnership against Crime (Lanpac), the police and hopefully even more closely with Lancashire's probation services."

The role of High Sheriff has diminished somewhat over past years due to the increasing role played by local government.

Duties associated with the role include executing High Court writs to debtors and recovering money from them, along with ceremonial and social duties.

Lady Shuttleworth will continue in her roles as a board member at the University of Central Lancashire, and chairman of governors at Wennington Hall School, for the duration of her period as High Sheriff.

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