THE former Chief Constable of Greater Manchester will make history next month when he becomes the area's High Sheriff.

Sir David Wilmot, one the country's most successful and decorated police officers, is to become the first former Chief Constable to hold the title since it was inaugurated more than 1,000 years ago.

He will be responsible for escorting members of the Royal Family and top-ranking officials on visits to the area, as well as taking part in charity work.

Sir David will officially take up the role at a ceremony in Wigan Town Hall on April 6.

The former policeman, who has more than 40 years service in police forces across the north of England, oversaw the running of the, 2002 Commonwealth Games. Sir David said: "It is a great honour and I look forward to making further contributions to the community.

"The High Sheriff is a fine and well-established tradition and it is particularly pleasing for me to become the first of a kind by being the only former Chief Constable to take on the role."