THE High Bailiff of Alcester looks a grand sort when you see him on parade. Bedecked in red robe and tricorn hat with his chain of office hanging proudly on his chest, he heads many a procession with an air which puts him a cut above the rest.

But don't be fooled - appearances can be deceptive and behind the gladrags which go with the pomp and ceremony of this ancient role is a man who likes to think of himself as ordinary. Down to earth? Yes. Ordinary? Well, not really. Keith Tomlinson, 67, is committed to preserving the traditions of the Court Leet but wants to make them relevant to today's society.

He loves Alcester, his home for the past 34 years, and wants to spend the next year serving its people.

Since taking office in early October, however, he has had to make one change which he found very difficult, especially as some people have misunderstood his intentions.

Every year officers distribute Christmas gifts to the over 70s but now there are so many of them that the age has had to be raised to 75.

"It was a very hard decision," Keith said at his home in Gerard Road.

"But something had to be done. When this first started there were only 50 people eligible and they were given a bag of coal.

"Now there are 690 and we give them biscuits. Everyone on our list will stay on and we will still take a card to everyone."

Keith moved to Alcester in August 1969. Two months later he joined the Court Leet and for 10 years supported its activities as a juryman before taking on the role of Low Bailiff. In 1980, he began his first stint as High Bailiff, never dreaming that he would repeat the process 23 years later.

He explained: "In October 2002, I learnt there was no-one able to take on the role of Low Bailiff and though never having given any thought to taking on the role for a second time, I could not bear to think that there was a possibility of the court not continuing. I therefore offered to do a second term of office."

He has, as always, the full support of his wife Cath who is clearly looking forward to the year ahead - especially as this time round she is not having to cope with the demands of a young family as well.

"It's not all the poncing about, which isn't really us anyway. It's meeting people and having fun," she said.

Keith said: "I'm glad to have the chance to give back to the town which has given me so much over the years. I'm thrilled the men elected to serve on the court this year are all as keen as I am to see the profile of the court leet raised in the community.

"We wish to uphold the traditions and dignity of the court but we also wish to make it relevant in this day and age.

"We are working hard to make each event one which all those attending will feel that was good value for money but they had a really good time."

For a full list of events, call Keith on 01789 763210.