King appoints magistrate as High Sheriff

Amy Crawfurd said becoming the High Sheriff was "a great honour"

A long-standing magistrate has been appointed by the King to the role of High Sheriff.

Amy Crawfurd will take up the role in Northamptonshire, which will include supporting High Court judges during their visits to the county and promoting anti-crime initiatives.

Ms Crawfurd has contributed to initiatives designed to help young offenders and visited schools to educate children about the justice system.

She said the appointment was "a great honour".

The role of High Sheriff is at least 1,000 years old and more than 700 people have been appointed over the years in Northamptonshire.

One of the key duties is proclaiming the accession of a new sovereign, as Crispin Holborow did in 2022.

In 2022, as High Sheriff, Crispin Holborow proclaimed the accession of King Charles III

The High Sheriff supports High Court judges when they sit on criminal cases at Northampton Crown Court.

The role has developed over the years so that the incumbent now supports not only the judiciary but also the police, the emergency services and the voluntary sector.

Ms Crawfurd's voluntary work has included initiatives designed to keep young people out of prison

Ms Crawfurd has visited a number of primary and secondary schools as part of the Magistrates in the Community programme, to help young people learn about the justice system and what might happen to them if they were to commit crime.

During her time in office, she will be raising money for the High Sheriff's Initiative Fund which supports projects related to criminal justice, law and order.

Amy Crawfurd has been a long-standing magistrate in Northamptonshire

Ms Crawfurd said: "It is a great honour to be asked to be High Sheriff. It is a unique and ancient role and I am proud to represent the King in all I do.

“We need to address the many challenges our young face today and nurture their potential. As a magistrate, a trustee of Northamptonshire Music and Performing Arts Trust and a past foundation governor at my local primary school, I have seen first hand the benefits music, outdoor activities and sports bring to children.

"These areas are where I will focus my efforts. Across the county, I want young people to celebrate positive role models and be inspired to lead.”