TWO Swindon charities have been lined up for special support in the coming year by the new High Sheriff of Wiltshire.

Lady Gooch was sworn in last month, in a ceremony which dates back to Saxon times, and said she would be looking to support Hop, Skip and Jump, and Dash (Discovering Autistic Spectrum Happiness) in her role.

The declaration and acceptance took place at Salisbury Cathedral, which confirmed her succession to Peter Addington.

She will be responsible for a number of ceremonial duties during her year of office, including attendance on any member of the Royal Family during a visit.

Lady Gooch is married to a former soldier and spent many years following the Army in Malaysia, Hong Kong, Germany and Iran before settling in Chitterne. She has two daughters.

Her granddaughter is working during her gap year and hopes to travel before taking up her university place. Her grandson will sit his GCSE exams this year.

Lady Gooch said: “I am honoured and privileged to be the High Sheriff of Wiltshire in 2015, and look forward to learning more about the county which has been our home for 28 years.

“I have been enormously fortunate and have had an interesting life.

“I have been able to serve the community as a magistrate for many years before retirement and made many friends.

“While High Sheriff I hope that I can promote opportunities for the young by supporting the Salisbury Cathedral Choral Foundation as well as One Degree More, a charity which helps to fund further education and apprenticeships.

“There are many people for whom life is a struggle and by supporting Splash, Youth Action Wiltshire and two Swindon based charities, Hop, Skip and Jump and Dash I hope I can help.”

Lady Gooch was appointed to the position by the Queen after her name was included in a shortlist by an unnamed former High Sheriff of Wiltshire.

The High Sheriff is the Sovereign’s representative in the county for matters of law and order and the judiciary.

It is the oldest secular office in England and Wales after the Crown and modern High Sheriffs still have a close relationship with judges, magistrates, the police, the coroner and the probation service.

Lady Gooch’s traditional duties will include being the returning officer at parliamentary elections, ensuring the wellbeing and protection of High Court Judges when they visit the county and presenting court awards.