THE NEW Essex High Sheriff has been appointed during a ceremony.

Vincent Thompson, who was born and bred in Margaretting, has become the 835th person to be appointed to the role.

Mr Thompson, 64, said: “It was a great honour to be nominated as High Sheriff and, being born and bred in the county and holding a great affection for the county in all its diversity, I was delighted to accept.”

He will follow in the footsteps of his predecessors by raising money for the High Sheriffs’ Fund, which supports voluntary and community organisations to help make communities safe and reduce the fear of crime.

He added: “I am particularly interested in the opportunity to work with the judiciary, the police, the emergency services and the many excellent organisations, funded and charitable, operating in the county for the greater good of the community.

“I am looking forward to working with these various organisations to help promote their work, recognise their many achievements and foster a collaborative environment to tackling our problem areas.”

Mr Thompson is already a strong part of the Brentwood community; he is a trustee of Brentwood Diocesan Cathedral and Choral Trust and the Gillow Trust which supports the Catholic Church in Stock. 

The role is an independent non-political Royal appointment, the High Sheriff receives no expenses and comes at no cost to the public purse.

An official appointment ceremony was held in the council chambers in Chelmsford last night.