Medway funeral director John Weir has been officially appointed by the Queen today as the High Sheriff of Kent.

Mr Weir, 67, who lives with wife Beverley in Hempstead, told the Medway Messenger this morning after hearing the news: "I am deeply honoured and humbled."

Mr Weir has been in the family funeral business for 50 years and served as a Justice of the Peace at Medway Magistrates' Court for 24 years.

The highly-respected undertaker runs businesses in Rainham, Chatham, Parkwood and Gillingham.

The title is the oldest secular office under the Crown and dates back to the 11th century.

Mr Weir joined the funeral business after leaving Brompton Academy, formerly known as Upbury Manor, in Gillingham.

He has a son James, 38, who is married to Alison, and twin granddaughters, Abigail and Jenny, aged nine.

"I am deeply honoured and humbled"

There is a High Sheriff in every county in England and Wales. The office is the oldest Royal appointment.

The role is an independent non-political appointment for a single year. Its origins date back to Saxon times, when the "Shire Reeve" was responsible to the king for the maintenance of law and order within the shire, or county, and for the collection and return of taxes due to the Crown. Today, there are 55 High Sheriffs serving the counties of England and Wales each year. They are nominated for the unpaid role.

The duties have changed over the years, but supporting the Crown and the judiciary remain central elements. High Sheriffs also work with crime prevention agencies, the emergency services and the voluntary sector as well as help the Lord-Lieutenant on royal visits and other similar occasions.

The current High Sheriff is Remony Millwater, from Sandwich.

Recent High Sheriffs of Kent have promoted the activities of a wide range of charities and organisations in the county, including Safer Kent - formerly the Kent People’s Trust - for encouraging crime reduction initiatives, especially by young people, and supporting victims of crime.

There are also a number of awards given out every year to recognise public servants, voluntary groups and individual volunteers, who have benefited communities across the county.

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