A PAEDIATRICIAN is hoping to use his year in a ceremonial role to help young offenders turn their lives around.

Dr Stephen Cronin, 59, has been announced as the next High Sheriff of Durham, a historic position, dating back to the mid-12th century.

The 59-year-old, who works at hospitals in County Durham, but is retiring in May, said: “It is an honour and my interest this year is trying to support Durham’s young people who have been involved in offending.

“The role supports the criminal justice process and voluntary services and children caught up in this world has been an issue for me for a long time.

“I hope some of the organisation in County Durham can look anew at some of this and give them opportunities they would otherwise be denied.

“I hope they can give them some support so they can contribute to society and join society, rather than working against it.”

Dr Cronin will be taking the oath of office at a swearing-in ceremony presided over by Judge Christopher Prince, in his role as the Honorary Judicial Recorder of Durham on April 9.

Last night, he attended the Shrievalty Awards, which were hosted by the current High Sheriff, Caroline Peacock, at Wynyard Hall.

Dr Cronin, who lives in Witton Gilbert, is married to Suzanne, and has two sons and a daughter.

Born in Sunderland, his medical career has taken him around the world with time in Canada and Australia.

He is currently the designated doctor for child protection in County Durham and Darlington and is chairman of the Durham Active 30 campaign, which promotes 30 minutes of exercise per child everyday.

Dr Cronin said: “The role is one where we go around and say ‘congratulations’ and we act as the Queen’s representative.

“But I thought if I am going to do this for a year then I wanted to take a particular focus, and I want to do something useful.

“I am going to look at youth offending and see if there is anything I can do to help.”