The role of High Sheriff is unpaid, but as a top Bristol dignitary Mrs Golding will be expected to attend at royal visits to the area, and will be entitled to act as a returning officer in parliamentary elections.

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Mrs Golding, 56, is the regional director of Business in the Community, and recently received an OBE for services to black and minority ethnic people in the South West.

She has already taken part in an ancient nomination ceremony in London for all the country’s High Sheriffs, but will only officially become High Sheriff at a declaration ceremony on March 23.

The role of High Sheriff is unpaid, but as a top Bristol dignitary Mrs Golding will be expected to attend at royal visits to the area, and will be entitled to act as a returning officer in parliamentary elections. She said: “I am absolutely thrilled. The very exciting thing about it is that, although the role has been around for more than 1,000 years, we have never had a High Sheriff of African descent.”

The appointment lasts for one year, and Mrs Golding was chosen by a selection panel including former high sheriffs.

The sheriff was once the principal agent of government in his county responsible for maintaining law, collecting taxes and providing soldiers, but the only significant legal functions today relate to the enforcement of High Court writs.

In recent years, high sheriffs in many parts of England and Wales have been particularly active in the development of an anti-crime culture, particularly among young people.

Mrs Golding said: “All high sheriffs are concerned with young people, and encouraging them to fulfil their potential.

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