THE new High Sheriff of North Yorkshire can safely claim to be a genuine high flyer.

Air Commodore Simon Bostock became the first military man to hold the position when he was sworn in at a ceremony in York Crown Court.

The retired RAF staff officer is following a family tradition. His father, Godfrey Bostock, who attended the ceremony, was once High Sheriff of Staffordshire, as were his grandfather, uncle and brother.

For the next year the air commodore from Pateley Bridge, who still flies as a volunteer from RAF Church Fenton, will represent the Queen in law and order matters in North Yorkshire.