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High Sheriff of Kent George Jessel backs rural affairs programme as he takes up role

The new High Sheriff of Kent has been on a tour around a KM newsroom and had an insight into KMTV.

George Jessel has recently taken up the role, which can be traced back to the late 900s .

He takes over from Kathrin Smallwood who last year committed to reducing domestic abuse.

George Jessel, High Sheriff of Kent, and his wife Vicki Jessel. Picture: Gary Browne
George Jessel, High Sheriff of Kent, and his wife Vicki Jessel. Picture: Gary Browne

The role, which used to see the dignitary collect taxes, is now largely ceremonial as he represents the Queen in the judicial system across Kent.

Speaking to KMTV as he was taken on a tour of the studio yesterday, he said: "I think a lot of people understand there is a High Sheriff of Kent but don't understand what he or she does and in a sentence the High Sheriff is the Queen's representative to the judicial system, to the judges and to the people who make and administer the law in the county.

Video: The High Sheriff also visited the KMTV studios

"Kent has huge tradition, but tradition has moved with modern times."

Talking about his aims for the year ahead Mr Jessel added: "I'm going to have a theme: my theme will be rural. I want to encourage and support rural charities.

"I'm a farmer myself and I think farming makes up a particularly large percentage of the county of the county of Kent, it's a very vital industry and with Brexit we have a lot to offer the county."

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