THE first High Sheriff of South Yorkshire to hail from Barnsley in 14 years has officially taken up the role in a declaration ceremony at Sheffield Crown Court.

Barry Eldred is the former joint managing director of the John Briton toy shop as well as a director and later chairman of Barnsley Building Society. He is the first Barnsley resident to take up the role since David Moody 14 years ago - who went on to become Lord Lieutenant of South Yorkshire.

The High Sheriff is one of the oldest positions in the land and appointed by the Queen. The main duty is to entertain Her Majesty’s High Court Judges when they are out on circuit. This is something he must do at no cost to the public purse.

The ceremony was performed in court one at Sheffield Combined Courts by High Court judge the Honourable Mr Justice Males in front of about 50 family, friends and dignitaries including members of the judiciary.

“It was a great experience, a very great honour and a very joyful day,” said Barry, 73, of Dodworth.

“I’ve had a number of meetings with members of the judiciary, with the police service, fire and rescue service and senior officers and chief executives of our local authorities, but no official ceremonial duties yet.”

He has however been presented with his full ceremonial court dress, and a sword originally presented about 30 years ago by a previous High Sherrif Ian Porter, former managing director of Barnsley firm Wilson and Longbottom.

“I’m honoured to be the first recipient of this role from Barnsley in 14 years.”

It is tradition for the High Sheriff to support a charity or cause during their year in office, and Barry has chosen to support and advocate on behalf of the homeless and people in poverty housing.

This has grown out of his many years of involvement with Habitat for Humanity, a global housing charity which works to tackle poverty by building and renovating homes for vulnerable families.