THE next High Sheriff of County Durham is a man who moved to the region six years ago and fell in love with this part of the country.

Paul Townley, of Wycliffe, near Barnard Castle, will be sworn in before His Honour Judge Richard Lowden on Monday at the Crown Court in Durham.

Originally from Cheshire, Mr Townley, 57, who works in the communications industry, said: "It is a great privilege and honour to be appointed High Sheriff of the County of Durham.

"We moved to County Durham six years ago and it is very much our home. I feel privileged to live in such a beautiful part of the world."

Mr Townley and his wife, Gaynor, have two adult sons, Peter and Joseph.

Their younger son, Joseph, works in Los Angeles and is flying to back for the ceremony.

"My family are very pleased for me and have given me their full support," said Mr Townley, who is active supporter of local and international charities.

His main duties will involve greeting visiting High Court judges and other dignitaries to the county.

He succeeds retired businessman Ian Dewhirst, of Brancepeth, who will attend the ceremony.

The post pre-dates the Norman Conquest of 1066. A High Sheriff used to be the principal law enforcement officer in the county, but the position is today almost entirely ceremonial.

Names of High Sheriffs are pricked on a parchment list by the Queen.