JAMES Arkell, the brewery boss who this week was officially nominated as High Sheriff of Wiltshire, was unavailable for comment at the time of going to print when the Advertiser reported the news.

He has since told the Advertiser that he is very excited by his new role. He said: "I'm looking forward to getting more involved in Swindon life. I will have to swear a declaration at Swindon Crown Court in front of a judge and magistrate.

"I will begin my role next April.

"It will involve a lot of charity work particularly with the police charity Crime-beat. I will also look after judges when they are in the county."

But he wasn't so happy about the attire he will be expected to wear.

"It means I will have to get all dressed up and wear court dress with lots of ruffs and buckles and even tights," he said.

Mr Arkell, 53, who lives in Hannington, will also have an under sheriff, lawyer William Wildbourne-Smith, who practises in Marl-borough.

His grandfather Sir Noel Arkell was High Sheriff of Wiltshire 25 years ago.