Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

But will he catch the bandits hiding in County Hall?

Wiltshire’s new High Sheriff was sworn in on Saturday (March 26) in a ceremony which dates back to Saxon times.

Mr. Robert Hiscox undertook his declaration and acceptance at Salisbury Law Courts, taking over from Dame Elizabeth Neville, DBE, QPM, and will be responsible for a number of ceremonial duties during his year of office.

Mr. Hiscox has been chairman of Hiscox Limited, the international insurance company, since its formation. He is also chairman of the Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust, a position which he has held since 2001, taking over from Mr. John Bush, HM Lord Lieutenant for Wiltshire who founded the Trust in 1998 when he was High Sheriff of Wiltshire. Mr. Hiscox’s primary interest is in helping older and vulnerable people. He is also interested in trying to lead young people away from crime and into a productive life which is the focus of the High Sheriff’s Crimebeat Fund.

Mr. Hiscox is also deeply interested in the arts, and is involved and supports many arts charities.

Mr. Hiscox said: 'I am delighted and privileged to be the High Sheriff of Wiltshire and Swindon for a year. I love Wiltshire and am looking forward to discovering what goes on behind the scenes to make the county work as well as it does, and doing what I can to help.'

The High Sheriff is the Sovereign’s representative in the county for matters of law and order and the judiciary. It is the oldest secular office in England and Wales after the Crown and modern High Sheriffs still have a close relationship with judges, magistrates, the police, the coroner and the probation service.

Their traditional duties include:

* Attendance on any member of the Royal Family visiting the county

* Being prepared to be the Returning Officer at Parliamentary Elections

* Ensuring the well-being and protection of High Court Judges when they visit the county.

* Presenting court awards.

This was a WC press release.