The new High Sheriff of Merseyside has been officially installed with a message for young people that "You Matter".

Just hours after being sworn in, Nigel Lanceley carried out his first engagement, attending an awards ceremony for the Prince's Trust and Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service.

The virtual event saw Nigel, who lives in Caldy, award certificates to a group of young people aged 16-25 who had successfully completed the MFRS Prince's Trust Team Programme.

The course provides participants, all of whom are unemployed, with a range of skills including interview techniques, CV writing, goal setting and team-working.

Nigel was installed in a private ceremony at his home due to the continuing COVID-19 restrictions. He replaces Judge John Roberts as High Sheriff of Merseyside.

Nigel said: "I am delighted that my first event as High Sheriff was the presentation ceremony for the MFRS's Prince's Trust Team Programme.

"An important theme for my year in office is to highlight the importance of young people in our society and to let them know that they matter.

"MFRS and the Prince's Trust have combined to deliver a hugely invaluable scheme for many young people who are unemployed and uncertain of their future.

"My role as High Sheriff is to encourage, support and thank, and this first event allowed me to do all three of these things."

Nigel intends to focus on charities and organisations which have young people at the heart of what they do. He is currently talking to one particular charity about backing a new initiative aimed at young carers, who often face some of the most challenging family situations.

Nigel is heavily involved in two prominent Merseyside-based charities. He will step down as Chairman of North West Cancer Research in May, an independent charity dedicated to putting the region's cancer needs first, but will continue as a Trustee.

He is also leaving his role as Chairman of Local Solutions, which supports individuals, families and communities experiencing disadvantage, exclusion and vulnerability. He will continue as a Trustee.

Supporting Nigel in his year as High Sheriff are his wife, Libby, three children, Clare, Stuart and Zoe, and three grandchildren.

The Office of High Sheriff is the oldest secular title in British history and among the most ancient in the world, dating back more than 1,300 years.

The principal objectives of the role of High Sheriff include ensuring the welfare of visiting High Court judges, supporting the Royal Family, judges, police and other law enforcement agencies, the emergency services, local authorities, church and faith groups.