THE new High Sheriff of Durham was officially nominated at a glittering, centuries-old ceremony at London's High Court yesterday.

Judges and court officials wearing official clothing presided over the nomination of 51 High Sheriffs and their deputies from all over the country.

Among them was Andrew Martell, of Shotley Hall, Shotley Bridge, Consett, County Durham, who will take up office next March.

In previous centuries, High Sheriffs were empowered to raise a posse to accompany visiting judges round their county.

While many of their duties have changed over the years, the High Sheriff is still expected to attend High Court judges when they preside over the county's crown courts.