WORTHING is to host for the first time a traditional church service organised by The High Sheriff of West Sussex each year to pay tribute to the community, court judges and magistrates

The service at Christ Church on Friday will begin with a procession leading from St Paul’s Community Hub in Chapel Road, to include The Mayor of Worthing and mayors from other West Sussex towns, judges, representatives of Sussex Police and West Sussex Fire Service, Worthing Police Cadets and the Worthing Town Crier.

The voluntary office of High Sheriff is more than 1,000 years old and is an independent Royal appointment for a single year - The High Sheriff for West Sussex for this year is Mrs Caroline Nicholls DL who lives in Worthing.

As ambassadors for law and order, High Sheriffs give active support and encouragement to the police and emergency services, to the courts and to the wide range of voluntary work within their communities.

The church service is traditionally held in October to mark the start of the legal year.

Mrs Nicholls said: “The Judge’s Service has roots which stretch back hundreds of years and I’m delighted that Worthing, as my home town, and Christ Church is able to host the event for the first time.”

The procession will leave St Paul’s at 2.45pm.