THE managing director of home grown kitchenware giant Lakeland Limited will take on the historic role of High Sheriff of Cumbria next year.

Sam Rayner was named as the latest holder of the office during a tradition-steeped ceremony at London’s High Court.

The time-honoured ceremony at the Royal Courts of Justice saw judges and court officials gather for the formal nomination of 51 High Sheriffs and their deputies from across England and Wales.

Mr Rayner will step up as High Sheriff in March, and described taking on the position as ‘an absolute honour’.

“When I was asked I felt a great deal of pride in being considered, and then accepted, for the role,” he said.

“I think one of the great things about it is seeing all the different parts of Cumbria – even now, while preparing for the role, I’ve enjoyed meeting some of the organisations which as an ordinary layperson I’d never heard of.

“Historically sheriffs used to collect taxes for the monarch, now they’re there to support the judiciary as well as working with the voluntary side.”

The post pre-dates the Norman Conquest and is now the oldest secular role under the Crown in the country.

These days High Sheriffs rank among the top dignitaries in their areas, and the unpaid role includes attending royal visits, as well as being entitled to act as returning officers in parliamentary elections.

They are also responsible for the well being of High Court Judges on circuit in the county as well as for the maintenance of the loyalty of subjects to the Crown, although in practice these responsibilities are delegated to the Chief Constable of Police.

Mr Rayner describes himself as a ‘local lad’, having been born and bred in Windermere.

After leaving school he went to Uganda to work for just over a year before returning to the Lakes and joining his older brother Martin in the family business.

“I only planned to work with him for 12 months or so but we found that we worked well together, and here we are more than 40 years later," said Mr Rayner. “My time as High Sheriff will be a very different type of role than I’m used to, but I’m very much looking forward to it.”