THE county’s new High Sheriff has pledge to champion rural Cheshire over the next 12 months.

Sarah Callander Beckett was sworn in as the High Sheriff of Cheshire at a ceremony this week in Combermere Abbey, which she owns.

The role is appointed by the Queen to represent her in Cheshire, and as part of the voluntary position Sarah will support the county’s emergency services, the armed forces, local authorities and churches.

In particular, she wants to focus on rural isolation and mental health issues, as well as celebrating the area’s tourism and entrepreneurial spirit.

“It is a huge honour to have been asked to hold such a privileged position as the High Sheriff of Cheshire and I accept with pride and commitment,” Sarah said.

“I look forward to serving the communities of Cheshire in line with a custom and tradition of more than 1,000 years.”

Sarah, who replaces Kathy Cowell OBE in the role, will attend events and hold her own at Combermere Abbey.

Organisations wishing to contact the High Sheriff can email highsheriffcheshire17@gmail.com