Brabners chairman and Wirral resident Stephen Burrows has been appointed as the next High Sheriff of Merseyside by the Queen.

The appointment of High Sheriff of Merseyside is made by the Queen in an ancient ceremony which dates back to the 16^thcentury.

The custom began in the reign of Queen Elizabeth 1 (1558-1603) and is the method in which the High Sheriffs of the county palatine of Lancaster – Merseyside, Lancashire and Greater Manchester – are appointed.

Stephen, father of two and grandfather of four, will officially begin the role at his installation on Thursday, 20 April 2017 and the appointment will last for a period of 12 months.

Although a Scot by birth – he hails from the city of Glasgow – Stephen is no stranger to Merseyside having lived here for the past 25 years.

A banker by profession and now chairman of commercial law firm Brabners, he has been involved in many charities and organisations in the county over the years.

Stephen said: “It is a huge honour and I am grateful for this incredible opportunity to serve the Merseyside region which has been my home for 25 years. I intend to make a meaningful contribution by supporting many causes, including the voluntary and educational sectors across Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens and Wirral.

“It is an important role and I have every intention of doing all I can to ensure I do justice for the people of this great county.”

The office of High Sheriff has existed for more than a thousand years and is a voluntary and non-political role.

In the early days responsibilities included duties such as law enforcement, collection of taxes and levies and judging cases in the courts.

Today this important role in the county – second only to Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside – carries responsibilities which include supporting the voluntary sector, upholding and actively supporting the Royal Family, the judiciary, police, emergency services, local authorities and church and faith groups.