The Isle of Wight's new High Sheriff has taken up his role.

James Attrill is the second in his family to hold the prestigious position.

James is a farmer and a partner at Merstone's BCM rural property specialists.

He aims to spend his year highlighting mental health, especially in children and young people, and also supporting the emergency services.

What is a High Sheriff?

A High Sheriff, easily spotted when wearing a distinctive black, or blue, velvet uniform.

The role is an independent and non-political figure and dates to the Saxon era. There have been High Sheriffs for 1,000 years.

High Sheriff is a Royal appointment, lasting for just 12 months, and the position was historically known as a ‘Shire Reeve’, responsible to the King for the maintenance of law and order within the shire, or county.

A person in the role was also required to collect and return of taxes to the Crown.

What about the modern High Sheriffs?

The Isle of Wight's High Sheriff is one of 55, across England and Wales.

In modern times, High Sheriffs continue to support the Crown and the judiciary and lend support and encouragement to crime prevention agencies, the emergency services and to the voluntary sector. They also support the Lord-Lieutenant (the Queen's representative on the Isle of Wight) on royal visits and on other occasions.

On the Island, the High Sheriff hands out annual awards, to people who have overcome adversity.

How are they appointed?

Nominations are made annually and appointments are in March.

You cannot be made High Sheriff if you are a parliamentary peer, an MP, a full-time member of the judiciary, or a paid officer of the Royal Navy, Army or Royal Air Force on full pay.

That helps ensure the Office of High Sheriff is non-political.

Do they get paid?

High Sheriffs are not paid and public money does not fund the position.