RETIRED Devizes businessman David Scott was sworn in as the new High Sheriff of Wiltshire and Swindon at a ceremony in the town hall on Saturday.

Mr Scott, 68, who was managing director of engineering and tractor firm TH White for 39 years until his retirement in 2015.

On Saturday he made his official declaration as High Sherriff in front of family and friends. Outgoing High Sheriff Nicky Alberry was also in attendance along with Canon Paul Richardson of St John's Church, Devizes who will be Mr Scott's chaplain for his year in office.

The post of High Sheriff is the oldest office in England - dating back to the Saxon era when the 'Shire Reeve' was the monarch's representative in each shire - maintaining law and order and collecting taxes. Now the High Sheriff - there are 55 in England and Wales - has a number of ceremonial duties and is in attendance at royal visits.

Mr Scott announced that he will support the work of two charities during his year in office. SMASH youth project in Swindon offers mentoring to young people who are in danger of losing their way in life.

His second charity is Pause which is running a Wiltshire Council programme with women who have experienced, or are at risk of, repeated pregnancies that result in their children going into care.

The scheme will help any woman who has had two or more children removed from their care to help them get back on track. The aim is for these women to have no children for eighteen months which is the 'Pause'.

He is also keen to promote the work of the Great Bustard re-settlement programme on Salisbury Plain.

Mr Scot is married to Letitia and they have four children and six grandchildren. He has been a deputy lieutenant of Wiltshire since 2002.

T H White, which was founded in 1832 as an agricultural ironmonger in Sidmouth Street, employs more than 550 people.

Mr Scott joined the family-run business on his 26th birthday in 1976.

After spending eight years gaining experience by working in all areas of the business he was appointed managing director in 1984 and then CEO in 1989.

Mr Scott’s son Alexander is now managing director.