WAVERLEY resident Robert Napier was installed as The High Sheriff of Surrey 2017/18 at Guildford Cathedral, with a commitment to make difference to the well-being of people across the county and particularly in some of its more challenged communities.

Making his declaration of allegiance to the Queen to a congregation of civic dignitaries at the close of choral evensong, Robert Napier of Baynards near Cranleigh, assumed an office that is at least 1,000 years old with its roots in Saxon England. It is the oldest continuous secular office under the crown.

His role is The Queen’s representative of the judiciary, and the office is unpaid, with each sheriff covering his own expenses.

Mr Napier will support organisations that uphold law and order, including the courts, police, prisons, emergency service and voluntary bodies.

He intends to do what he can to support, encourage and celebrate the work of the charities, faith groups, youth groups and others who are working in some of the more needy areas in Surrey, formerly known as Priority Places.

Mr Napier will be actively promoting the High Sheriff Youth Awards scheme, which gives financial support to young people for a wide range of projects that help reduce or prevent crime.

A Surrey resident for more than 30 years, he joined the FTSE company Redland PLC based in Reigate as finance director in 1981 and was chief executive from 1991 to 1997. In 1999 he joined WWF-UK, then located in Godalming, as chief executive and retired from that role in 2007.

He was chairman of the Homes and Communities Agency from 2007 to 2015.