The Queen has appointed this year’s High Sheriff of Hertfordshire – and he hopes to use his time in the ceremonial role to inspire young people to be community minded.

Lionel Wallace DL, an aeronautical engineer by profession, has been appointed as Hertfordshire’s new High Sheriff, succeeding Henry Holland-Hibbert who owns the Munden estate.

The office of High Sheriff is an independent non-political royal appointment made by the Queen and Lionel was sworn into the position at a declaration ceremony at St Albans Cathedral on April 5.

While the role dates back to Saxon times, it has evolved to include a mix of ceremonial, charitable and community functions and is voluntary and unfunded.

Lionel was born and brought up in Hertfordshire and he has been a Deputy Lieutenant of Hertfordshire for over 12 years.

He says he plans to use his year in office to highlight and encourage opportunities for young people to advance, be confident, committed and community minded.

“One of the greatest gifts my parents gave me was the freedom to explore opportunities and be involved in community and leadership activities from an early age,” Lionel Explained.

“I did not appreciate its value fully at the time, but I do now. It is for this reason I am convinced that strong and consistent investment in developing the leadership and civic responsibility attributes of young people will transform both their lives and our entire society’s cohesion.”

At his declaration ceremony the new High Sheriff launched his Youth in Herts Programme, comprised of three pillars: The Young Leaders Award, ‘Be Your Own Boss, and the 30’ Under 30 project.

The Young Leaders Award is a school-based programme involving young people in transforming communities through social action.

Be Your Own Boss’ project aims to increase employment opportunities for young people by supporting budding young entrepreneurs to start their own businesses.

While 30’ Under 30 will seek to promote, attract and support the appointment of more young magistrates.

The High Sheriff also introduced his themes for the High Sheriff Awards: Empowering young people to become today’s leaders; Supporting young people to serve in unique or new areas of community life; Promoting youth engagement in the Magistracy.

The awards will seek to recognise Hertfordshire voluntary groups and charities supporting these activities.

Nominations are to be submitted on August 12 (International Youth Day) online or in person at the High Sheriff’s Youth in Herts Fun Day taking place at the St. Albans Cathedral.

Successful applicants will be invited to attend an awards ceremony in March next year.