A FORMER head of the SAS will be next year's High Sheriff of Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

Sir John Foley, who enjoyed a distinguished military career and, along with his wife, Lady Foley, is originally from Herefordshire, will take up the ceremonial position in April.

Although the move will not be guaranteed until it receives royal assent, current High Sheriff Andrew Grant confirmed he was a nominee and almost certain to be his successor.

"Nominees are put forward by former High Sheriffs and the Lord Lieutenants of Hereford and Worcester consider the choices," said estate agent Mr Grant.

"It usually takes about two or three years for a nominee to come up so Sir John would have been put forward in about 2002 or 2003. He's a smashing chap with close links to the area."

During his career, Sir John was director of the Hereford-based SAS, served in Berlin just before the fall of the wall, was commander of British forces in Hong Kong between 1992 and 1994 and sat on the Joint Intelligence Committee as head of defence intelligence.

In 1997, Sir John left the intelligence post and spent three years in a variety of roles, including an international board member of Group 4, chairman of the British Greyhound Racing Board and setting up management consultancy firm the Alpha Group.

He then spent the last five years as Guernsey's Lieut-enant Governor - the Queen's representative on the Channel Island - only leaving at the end of last month.

The High Sheriff of Herefordshire and Worcestershire is a largely ceremonial role, involving looking after visiting royals and judges.