The new High Sheriff of Norfolk, Lady Philippa Dannatt, will support mental health care during her year in office.

Lady Dannatt of Keswick, the wife of General Sir Richard Dannatt, former Chief of the General Staff, was sworn into one of the oldest secular offices under the Crown during a ceremony at Holkham yesterday. Lady Dannatt replaced the Countess of Leicester.

Lady Dannatt said: 'Lady Leicester has touched the lives of so many. This is a huge privilege for me.

'I want to highlight the incredible mental health work that is done in Norfolk and to show how much that work needs financial support.'

In Saxon times, High Sheriffs went to the king or queen's court to give account for the money they collected on behalf of the monarch.

Today they are often involved in charitable initiatives, raising awareness and funds for their chosen good causes.