A NEW High Sheriff has taken up his role.

Andrew Manning-Cox has taken over from Richard Amphlett in what is the oldest secular office in the country after the monarchy, dating back to before the Norman conquest.

His formal appointment, the first before an audience in public for three years, took place on April 13 at Shire Hall where he made his Declaration before the president of the family division, the Rt Hon Sir Andrew McFarlane.

The role is voluntary and today is largely ceremonial but carries the status of being the Queen’s highest judicial officer in the county and involves a mix of ceremonial, charitable and community functions.

Andrew Manning Cox said: “I am very honoured to be invited to take up the office of High Sheriff and am looking forward to immersing myself in all the valuable work going on across Worcestershire, whether carried out by our emergency and health services, or the increasingly vital charity sector.

“My year of office also provides the opportunity to raise funds for the High Sheriff’s charity within the Worcestershire Community Foundation which does so much to support families and individuals across the county.”

Married with two adult children, Andrew Manning-Cox has lived in south Worcestershire for over 40 years, and he said his time as High Sheriff would enable him learn more about the needs of the whole county and promote the achievements and aspirations of so many people whose efforts deserve more recognition.

He qualified as a solicitor in 1980 and became a partner in 1985 at leading lawyers Wragge & Co LLP, now known as international law firm Gowling WLG (UK) LLP.

He retired in 2018 from the partnership but has kept busy in a variety of roles across Worcestershire.

He is a non-executive director at leading Midlands law firm Thursfields Solicitors and is also on the board of Worcestershire County Cricket Club.

He is chairman of Sanctuary Group, which is based in Worcester and is one of the UK’s largest housing and care providing charities, responsible for some 110,000 housing units, 65,000 student accommodation units and 100 care homes.