A FORMER teacher from Atherleigh has been appointed as the next High Sheriff of Greater Manchester by the Queen.
It is one of only a handful of times a Wigan borough resident has been selected since the creation of the county of Greater Manchester in 1974.
The ancient office, which today is self-funding, was created before the Norman Conquest.
Deputy lieutenant Lady Joy Smith is married to Lord Peter Smith, leader of Wigan Council, and they have a daughter.
Lady Smith said: “It is a great privilege and I am grateful for this unique opportunity to serve the community of Greater Manchester, but also to place a special emphasis on the borough which has been my home for forty years.
“When I made my declaration I promised, among other things, to conduct myself ‘for the honour of the Queen and the good of her subjects’.
By drawing attention to the outstanding work which is done by so many people in the area, I hope to do just that.”
A special ceremony took place at Haigh Hall on April 14.
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