A FORMER toy shop boss and building society chairman has been appointed High Sheriff for South Yorkshire 2018 - one of the oldest appointed positions in the land.

Barry Eldred was first approached more than four years ago to consider the position which dates back about 1,000 years, and last month attended a ceremony at London’s High Court where the nomination was formally approved.

Barry, 73, of Dodworth, was joint managing director of the John Briton toy shop, and was also a director and later chairman of Barnsley Building Society.

“I was asked about four-and-a-half years ago, and I felt very proud, very honoured, and totally petrified, as of course I had no real idea what it would entail.

“It’s an appointment by the Queen, and put very simply it’s about entertaining Her Majesty’s High Court Judges when they are out on circuit.

“When judges come on their terms to Sheffield, it will be about making sure they are comfortable, as they may be away from home for three months at a time.

“It might be a case of taking them for a meal, or to the theatre, or to a football match even.”

The High Sheriff also usually takes a role in supporting a charity or a cause, and Barry has chosen in his year in the role, which starts in March, to work to raise the profile of homelessness and poverty housing as it is a subject close to his own heart.

“It isn’t just about people having a roof over their heads, as sometimes people who do have a roof live in pretty appalling conditions.”

Barry has for many years been involved with Habitat for Humanity, a global housing charity which works to tackle poverty by building and renovating homes for vulnerable families.