BBC presenter Eamonn O'Neal to serve second term as High Sheriff

Former BBC presenter Eamonn O'Neal has been chosen to be the next High Sheriff of Greater Manchester

A former BBC presenter is to have the distinction of being appointed to the role of High Sheriff of Greater Manchester by two monarchs.

Eamonn O'Neal has been chosen for the honour by King Charles, having previously been appointed to the role by Queen Elizabeth II in 2020.

He will be installed in a ceremony at Wardley Hall, Salford, in April.

Mr O'Neal, a former BBC Radio Manchester presenter, succeeds Mary Elizabeth Walker.

His appointment has been formally announced by Buckingham Palace.

The dad-of-three from Sale, who has been a familiar voice on BBC Radio Manchester for many years, will hold office for 12 months.

'Huge honour'

And other than a period in London as executive producer of ITV show, This Morning, Mr O'Neal has dedicated his time in the media to regional broadcasting.

During his career he has also been responsible for commissioning and producing hundreds of hours of programmes for TV and has received a number of Royal Television Society Awards for his work, both in front of and behind the camera.

He said: "It's a huge honour and quite humbling to be chosen as High Sheriff of Greater Manchester again.

"I'm grateful to have the chance to connect and engage with the charitable, voluntary, faith, ethnic, cultural and business communities across the county."

He added: "I also regard this Royal appointment as recognition of the importance of meaningful connection with local communities.

Ancient title

"I'm very proud to have been part of the BBC Radio Manchester team for almost four decades and the radio station is a fine example of how quality broadcasting can have a real impact on people's lives.

"I would also pay tribute to my colleagues at the various charities I represent."

The Office of High Sheriff dates back to over 1300 years ago and is the oldest secular title in British history and among the most ancient in the world.

At that time, the Sheriff represented the monarch, collected taxes, raised armies and was the rule of law across the county.

Mr O'Neal, who is chair of a number of charities including Prevent Breast Cancer and The Dianne Oxberry Trust, said he would be proud to represent the King as the ceremonial head of the judiciary in the county.

He was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Arts degree by the University of Bolton in 2015 in recognition of his "outstanding contribution to the media and charity".