A county’s new High-Sheriff had little excuse if she had fluffed her lines at her swearing-in ceremony.

For the new incumbent to the historic post in County Durham, lawyer Anne Elliott, spent several years as Under Sheriff, helping to organise and stage manage the annual event at Durham Crown Court.

Although a little taken aback to be nominated to take up the largely ceremonial role, herself, she is now relishing her year in office, during which she will work hand-in-hand with the County Durham Community Foundation, supporting its charitable work, aiding local worthy causes.

Used to acting almost as “master of ceremonies” at past swearing-in rituals, in her previous role as Under Sheriff, Mrs Elliott, from Rushyford, took centre stage during today’s proceedings, presided over by His Honour Judge James Adkin, the Honorary Judicial Recorder of Durham.

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She read the oath of allegiance and signed it, before naming Father Andrew Downie, of St Cuthbert’s RC Church, in Durham, and of Durham University, as her chaplain for the forthcoming year.

Her successor as Under Sheriff, Helen Dexter, of Tilley Bailey and Irvine Solicitors in Barnard Castle, was sworn in to continue in the support role.

Judge Adkin said the only advice he could offer Mrs Elliott was if she was to do any better than the Sheriff of Nottingham, then she would be doing well.

But he told the gathering in court: “I’m sure she’ll show the same enthusiasm and commitment as she has shown in her legal career.”

Among those looking on were various generations of Mrs Elliott’s family, including daughter Georgina and seven-week-old granddaughter Beatrix, who briefly interrupted proceedings to the amusement of other onlookers.

Darlington-born, Mrs Elliott is from a farming family based near Scotch Corner and Barnard Castle.

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She studied law and took her articles in Leeds, before qualifying as a solicitor and working for the firm now known as Latimer Hinks, based in Darlington.

Not only was she the first qualified woman in the practice, she went on to become its CEO.

Read next:

* Farmer Robert Harle appointed as new High Sheriff of Durham

* David Gray to be appointed new High Sheriff of County Durham

* New High Sheriff sworn in at Durham Crown Court ceremony

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She stood down as CEO at the end of January 2020, and she now works part-time for the firm.

She succeeds Shona Harper-Wilkes, from Lartington, as High Sheriff, and will pass the badge of office on to Harry Swan, next year.

Mr Swann is managing director of Thomas Swan chemical manufacturing company, in Consett.