Wiltshire's next High Sheriff was officially nominated at an ancient ceremony at London's High Court yesterday.

Judges and court officials wearing official court clothing stretching back centuries presided over the nomination of 51 High Sheriffs and their deputies from all over the country.

Among them was Richard David Stratton, of Manor Farm, Kingston Deverill, Warminster, who will take up office next March.

His nomination took place in time-honoured tradition staged in the country's premier court room, Court 4, the Lord Chief Justice's court, at London's Royal Courts of Justice.