Graham Biss was declared as the Isle of Wight High Sheriff yesterday (Monday) at a packed ceremony at the Island Riding Centre.

But who is Mr Biss?

Here is all you need to know about our new High Sheriff

Graham moved to the Island in 2006, back to his wife Sue's home. They live in Freshwater where they have brought up their four boys. Sue is the chair of the WI on the Island.
Isle of Wight County Press: A gathering, after the declarationA gathering, after the declaration (Image: Isle of Wight County Press)

After a career in banking, Graham joined the Isle of Wight Economic Partnership when he moved to the Island.

He is currently the managing director of Natural Enterprise, an Island based charity delivering support  for the rural economy and caring for the Island's
natural environment.

Natural Enterprise's activities include Gift to Nature, which manages more  than 30 free to use countryside sites, the renovation of Appley Tower and a range of other projects. All focused on making the Island a better place to work, love and visit.

Wanting to be a strong advocate for the rural sector, he is part of the team of volunteers who have rejuvenated the Royal Isle of Wight County Show, which celebrates the Island's rural community.

As the son of Somerset dairy farmers, Graham is the current president of the
Island's Young Farmers' Club, as well as being a Deputy Lieutenant.

Graham is a keen sports fan having coached a number of youth sporting teams.

What does Graham Biss hope to concentrate on as High Sheriff?

Graham has pledged to focus on the Island's many volunteers during his time in office.

"My focus is very much on supporting the volunteer sector," he told the County Press.

He also wants to help the groups that support young people.

He said: "Young people are our future. We need to be encouraging and supporting of them. There are lots of things going on and lots of good people working very hard. I want to help support that."

What is the High Sheriff role about?

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

The appointment runs for one year and is non-political and unpaid.