A senior chartered surveyor has been installed as the new High Sheriff of Kent at a ceremony in Warehorne.

Mike Bax, a senior partner at the BTF Partnership, was appointed to the special role in a ceremony held at the village's Church of St Matthew.

He replaces outgoing Sheriff of Kent Georgie Warner, in a tradition that dates back more than 1,000 years.

Mr Bax, pictured left with wife Jane, said: "This is a great honour and I am delighted to be carrying on this long tradition.

"The High Sheriff of Kent's office is much more than a ceremonial role - it is a terrific opportunity to show appreciation to our law enforcement agencies and emergency services and celebrate the work of the many paid and unpaid individuals and charities that work across the county in this sector."

Traditionally the office of High Sheriff of Kent would have seen Mr Bax represent the sovereign in the county in respect of matters relating to the judiciary and the maintenance of law and order - a task that is now delegated to the Chief Constable of Kent Police.

The role today will see him support voluntary and statutory bodies in the county engaged in all aspects of law and order.

Mr Bax will continue in his role as senior partner at BTF Partnership, which has offices in Challock and act for land owners, farmers and rural estates across the county.

"My family can trace its roots back some 600 years in Kent and we have been farming for all but 200 years of that time," he said.

"It is exciting to work with some of the best farmers and producers in the county, helping our agricultural industry to remain as relevant today as it always has. The two roles are surprisingly complimentary."

Other dignitaries at the ceremony included the Mayor of Ashford Cllr Matthew French and the Lord Lieutenant of Kent Viscount de L'Isle.