A new High Sheriff for the Isle of Wight was appointed today (Monday)  at a declaration service.

Graham Biss has now taken office for a year, following in the footsteps of predecessor Dawn Haig-Thomas.

The ceremony was held at the Island Riding Centre. In attendance was the Island’s Lord Lieutenant Susie Sheldon, resident Judge Michael Bowes and chair of the bench Keith Jones.

The Office of High Sheriff began over 1,000 years ago and is the oldest continuous secular office under the crown.

Isle of Wight County Press:

The High Sheriff is the Sovereign’s representative on all matters appertaining to civil law and order.

The High Sheriff is a Royal appointment. It is made at a meeting of the Privy Council, where the custom of the monarch pricking a hole through the nominee’s name on the roll with a bodkin is perpetuated.

Graham, of Freshwater, is one of the directors of the Isle of Wight County Show and Natural Enterprise.

Isle of Wight County Press: High Sheriff Graham Biss with former High Sheriff Kay Marriott.High Sheriff Graham Biss with former High Sheriff Kay Marriott. (Image: County Press)

He said: ”It is an honour to represent the Island and I am looking forward to meeting many Islanders during the coming 12 months.

"I aim to support and promote the Island’s voluntary sector and in particular the groups who support our young people.

"So many Islanders give up their time free of charge for others, which makes the Island a special place to live”.

The role is non-political and unpaid.