TV gardener Alan Titchmarsh has been appointed High Sheriff of the Isle of Wight - amid protest from locals that he is not an Islander.
The 58-year-old Yorkshire-man donned a frilly ceremonial uniform and was sworn as the enforcer of the Queen's writ on the Island in a lavish function. But the former Ground Force presenter has come under fire from local councillors who claim the job should have gone to someone from the island.
Mr Titch-marsh, who was born and grew up 285 miles away in Ilkley, Yorkshire, does have a flat in West Cowes.
But this cuts little ice with some locals who point out that his main home, a £1.5m 18th century farmhouse near Alton in Hampshire, is 40 miles away.
Although the 12-month, unpaid post is largely ceremonial, his appointment has been criticised by Islanders.
Patrick Joyce, councillor for Brading and St Helens, said: "There are many people on the Isle of Wight who could have been picked.
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"There are many people who have done very great service on the Island, and actually live here. I would have thought it would be better to choose one of those."
The gardening guru wore the High Sheriff's frilly black velvet and lace uniform with gloves, knee-length socks, buckled shoes and a sword to be sworn in at a ceremony in Newport Crown Court. It was overseen by presiding judge for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight Judge Richard Price, the Island's Lord Lieutenant Martin White and chairman of the bench Stephen Howe.
Mr Titchmarsh was also joined by chaplain to the High Sheriff, Richard Emblin, and former High Sheriff David Langford, who was born and raised on the Isle of Wight.
In his acceptance speech, Mr Titchmarsh said: "Home is where I hang my hat. And there is no hat I am prouder to own or more determined to do justice to than that of the High Sheriff of the Isle of Wight.
"The Isle of Wight is not my second home. I'm fortunate enough to live in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. I don't love one more than the other."
He said he was nominated for the post by a previous high sheriff more than three years ago but initially turned down the offer.
What rot. Most Islanders really don't care that Alan is now High Sheriff. The only one's who have a grudge are those who won't be considered for the job. National press reports that there's widepread anger is also total tosh written by those who haven't got the slightest clue about island Life.
What rot. Most Islanders really don't care that Alan is now High Sheriff. The only one's who have a grudge are those who won't be considered for the job. National press reports that there's widepread anger is also total tosh written by those who haven't got the slightest clue about island Life.
He is a posh 'Yorkie', those are normal everyday clothes!
Note that it claims he was born in Ilkley (of Ilkley Moor Ba'tat fame!) Total professional northerner par excellence!
He is a posh 'Yorkie', those are normal everyday clothes!
Note that it claims he was born in Ilkley (of Ilkley Moor Ba'tat fame!) Total professional northerner par excellence!
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