THE Queen has a new legal representative in Somerset, with Johnnie Halliday taking up the role of High Sheriff in the county.

Mr Halliday, who takes over the year-long post from Denis Burn, said: "This is a great honour and I look forward to serving all parts of Somerset and supporting all elements of the judiciary and police.

"I also want to learn about, encourage and recognise the many good causes and volunteers across our county.

"My particular focus will be to provide continuity with the great start that Denis Burn has launched via the Somerset Crimebeat Trust Unlocking Potential initiative...aimed at 13/14-year olds from disadvantaged backgrounds."

Mr Halliday was brought up in Somerset and continues to live in his family`s home near Taunton.

Most of his business career has been spent in various commercial and executive roles in the asset finance, lending and software related industry in London and internationally.

Since leaving full-time last summer, he has established an independent consultancy for the leasing and finance industry.

In 2017 he was chairman of industry networking and charitable trust The Asset Finance Professionals Association, which raises money for smaller charities and he continues to serve as a trustee and volunteer.

At home he is involved in the family farming and property business.

Mr Halliday and his wife, Sian, have two recently married sons, Will and Tom.

He enjoys family, social and sporting occasions, walking with dogs, playing tennis or golf, watching rugby in Bath and cricket at the Cooper Associates County Ground in Taunton.

The office of High Sheriff is more than 1,000-years-old in origin and today involves supporting High Court judges, police, prison, probation and many other public services.

High Sheriffs attend on the Royal Family on visits to the county.