TONY Stratton was sworn in as the county’s new High Sheriff yesterday at Oxford Crown Crown Court.

Mr Stratton, who lives in Oxford, is former chief executive of international marketing firm CPM, non-executive director of several other companies and board member of cultural charity Oxford Inspires.

He said that in his year as High Sheriff he wants to set up a Business Cares initiative – a group of county businesses that will provide long-term funding for local charities and community groups.

Mr Stratton was awarded his medal for the role by the outgoing High Sheriff, Prof Graham Upton.