THE new High Sheriff of Wiltshire is to be appointed at an official ceremony today.

David Newbigging, who takes over from the outgoing sheriff, Sir Christopher Benson, will be responsible for undertaking a number of ceremonial duties during his year in office. He will also actively support Wiltshire and Swindon Community Foundation, Crimebeat, and Wiltshire Wildlife Trust.

Mr Newbigging is the chairman of Friends Provident, the largest commercial employer in Salisbury.

He spent nearly 30 years with the Asian-based conglomerate, Jardine Matheson Group, before moving from Hong Kong to the Britain in 1983.

He was the first chairman of the Wiltshire Community Foundation and is a Deputy Lieutenant of Wiltshire. The ceremony is due to be attended by 50 guests including the chairwoman of Wiltshire County Council, Carole Soden, and the Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire Sir Maurice Johnston.

It takes place at 12.30pm at County Hall in Trowbridge.