A NEW High Sheriff of Powys was sworn into the prestigious role at a ceremony held in Builth Wells last week.

David Price of Llanddewi’r Cwm was installed as The High Sheriff of Powys on April 21 at The Strand Hall.

He takes over from the outgoing High Sheriff, Susan Thompson of Kinnerton.

The ceremony was attended by the Hon Dame Shân Legge-Bourke, Lord-Lieutenant of Powys, and the Warrant of Appointment from Her Majesty The Queen was read by His Honour Judge Richard Twomlow.

The Shrieval Party also included Philip Evans, Under Sheriff, David Powell, acting chief executive of Powys County Council, and Rev Brian Reardon, chaplain to the newly appointed High Sheriff.

The role of high sheriff dates back over 1,000 years and has evolved over time but is now largely ceremonial. Key duties include acting as the returning officer in parliamentary elections, supporting the Crown and Judiciary, emergency services and the voluntary sector. The selection of a high sheriff is made annually and the post is unpaid.

The new High Sheriff of Powys has been a farmer all his life and lives at Noyadd, near Builth Wells with his wife, Elaine, and their three daughters. The Builth Wells YFC has played a “huge part” in David’s life as a past county chairman and he continues to write the annual pantomimes. Since 2012, Mr Price has represented Llanafanfawr as a Powys County Councillor.

Following his appointment, Mr Price said: “It is a privilege and honour to be appointed to this historic role, and I look forward to my year in office. I hope to meet as many individuals and organisations as possible.

“I wish to highlight the extraordinary good work done by the young people of this county. I wish to support efforts to safeguard their health and well-being, and that will include a desire to raise the profile of street pastors who, working alongside the police, offer care and support to young people on late Saturday evenings. I hope we can extend that support to the many young people who attend the Royal Welsh Agricultural Show.

"I would also particularly like to support the excellent work of the Bracken Trust.”