RICHARD Whittington has taken over as the new High Sheriff of Surrey at a ceremony at Guildford Cathedral.

The High Sheriff is appointed by the Queen to hold office for one year and is her representative of the judiciary in the county carrying out ceremonial duties.

Mr Whittington, who is from Chobham and is a distant relative of former Lord Mayor of London Dick Whittington, takes over from Elizabeth Kennedy and began work last month.

He previously worked for accountancy firm KPMG, where he was partner-in-charge of the infrastructure, government and healthcare group.

Mr Whittington said: “I am very honoured to be given this role and during it I am keen to help young people get into work through apprenticeships, internships and work experience, particularly in the science, technology, engineering and maths areas while I am also looking forward to visiting various organisations throughout Surrey during my year in post.”