A NEW High Sheriff has been sworn in for Wiltshire.

Nicola Alberry undertook her Declaration and acceptance at a ceremony in the Town Hall in Calne yesterday (Friday) and takes over the role from Lady Marland.

Mrs Alberry said: "I am honoured and privileged to be the High Sheriff of Wiltshire in 2018. During my year I want to raise awareness of the impact of domestic abuse on families and the wider community.

"Working with Wiltshire Community Foundation I hope to raise funds to support the fantastic work that charities and voluntary organisations do in the county to help and support these victims, both male and female, and their families."

As part of her role as High Sheriff she will be responsible for a number of ceremonial duties during her year of office.

Mrs Alberry started her career working for HSBC in corporate banking and recovery. Over the last 25 years she has worked in the world of economic development, public private partnerships. She holds several non-exec board roles including with Business West and GWE Holdings.

She is also chairman of Swindon Women's Aid and a director of Swindon Museum and Art Gallery Trust.

Mrs Alberry set up Swindon Cares 16 years ago which has raised more than £250,000 for local charities in Swindon, is an active Rotarian and was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant in 2006.

The High Sheriff is the Sovereign's representative in the county for matters of law and order and the judiciary.

It is the oldest secular office in England and Wales after the Crown and modern High Sheriffs still have a close relationship with judges, magistrates, the police, the coroner and the probation service.