BREWERY boss James Arkell has been officially nominated as the next High Sheriff of Wiltshire at the Royal Courts of Justice in London.

At a time-honoured ceremony on Wednesday, which dates back to before the Norman Conquest, Mr Arkell sat before bewigged judges and court officials to hear his name read aloud.

His grandfather, Sir Noel Arkell, held the position many years ago. James was first selected for the role in June 2002 and will take office in March 2005.

Before this happens, he will have to attend another ancient ceremony at the Privy Council in London.

At the ceremony the Queen, using a silver bodkin (a tool for punching holes) will etch Mr Arkell's name on a parchment list to give his appointment the royal seal of approval. The practice dates back to the reign of Queen Victoria.

The 52-year-old managing director of Arkell's Brewery was unavailable for comment yesterday but is said to feel honoured.

The Lord Chancellor's department appoints the High Sheriff for each county.

Although it was once a very important job, it has long since become a traditional honorary appointment with no real powers.

Since Saxon times, sheriffs of each county have gone to the King's or Queen's Court to give account for the money they have collected on behalf of the monarch.

Today, High Sheriffs no longer collect money for the monarch but their attendance at court has continued through nomination ceremonies.

The post of sheriff or shire reeves as they were originally known still remains the oldest secular office in the land.

This week's ceremony, which took place before the Lord Chief Justice, Lord Woolf, also saw the nomination of another 50 high sheriffs and their deputies from all over the country.

Mr Arkell was asked to take on the role because it requires someone to put the time in on behalf of the whole county.

He is very much involved in the community and has been heavily involved in fundraising work.

He is chairman of Swindon Cares, the umbrella group of businesses and community groups set up to raise money for local charities. During his time as managing director of Arkells, the brewery has expanded rapidly, taking over pubs as far afield as Oxford, Newbury and Ascot.