A Chester law firm now boasts the Under Sheriff for the county of Cheshire among its ranks.

Cullimore Dutton Solicitors employee John Arnold, a partner and head of the commercial department at Cullimore Dutton Solicitors, was installed as Under Sheriff at a declaration service held recently at Eaton Hall Chapel.

It follows Diana Williams’s appointment as the President of the Cheshire and North Wales Law Society in February,

'Thrilled and delighted'

Mr Arnold said: “I am thrilled and delighted to be appointed to assist the High Sheriff, Mrs Kathy Cowell, who I know will be an excellent High Sheriff and representative for Her Majesty in Cheshire.

He also joked: “A relatively recent change in the law has sadly meant that the Under Sheriff can no longer call out the Posse Comitatus of able-bodied men to assist in keeping the peace or arresting a felon – heading off at the pass always being a bit of a tall order in Cheshire.”

The High Sheriff is the Queen’s representative in the county for all matters relating to the judiciary and the maintenance of law and order.

This aid can take many forms and includes ceremonial occasions as well as assisting with other legal matters including those relating to parliamentary elections.

Founded in 1862, Cullimore Dutton Solicitors is Chester’s longest established law firm and provides advice for businesses and individuals across Cheshire and North Wales.