Former Wiltshire chief constable Dame Elizabeth Neville is to be the new High Sheriff of Wiltshire.

Dame Elizabeth, who lives in Devizes, with her husband Nick Cox, was officially nominated to take over the office at a ceremony at the High Court in London yesterday. She will take up the post in April next year.

Dame Elizabeth was Chief Constable of Wiltshire for seven years before retiring in September 2004 after a 30 year police career. She will succeed Robert Floyd, of Great Chalfield Manor near Melksham, as High Sheriff.