THE Queen has appointed an East Lancashire man as the High Sheriff of Lancashire.

Rodney Newman Swarbrick, of Green Nook, Longridge, is the latest in a long line of High Sheriffs stretching back more than a thousand years.

The 61-year-old promised to "serve the Queen's Writs and execute the good laws and statutes of the Realm" in the swearing-in ceremony at County Hall, Preston.

Most of the High Sheriff's traditional powers have been taken over by local government, the police force and other bodies, but Mr Swarbrick will have many social and ceremonial duties during his year in office. He is also bound to "protect and assist in upholding the dignity and well-being of Her Majesty's Judges".

Mr Swarbrick said: "It is a great honour to be chosen by the Queen. I intend to uphold undiminished the traditions and responsibilities of this ancient office, which have been part of our history for over a thousand years. My wife and I are looking forward to serving the county."

He has a son and a daughter and farmed his family's Lancashire land until retiring six years ago.

Mr Swarbrick has been chairman of the Country Landowners Association and was national president from 1989 to 1991, and vice-president for Europe from 1991 to 1994.

He has also served as a Countryside Commissioner.