A NEWPORT woman is the new High Sheriff of Gwent, only the second woman ever to hold the prestigious title.

Audrey Hull will hold office during the Queen's 80th birthday year. She said: "I am honoured and very delighted with the appointment." Mrs Hull, who now lives in Usk, was a magistrate on the Newport Bench and has served as a Newport councillor as well as being a member of Graig Community Council for 20 years.

She said: "I have also been involved with raising funds for a variety of charitable causes, including as chairman of an NSPCC committee and as an appeals officer for the British Red Cross Society."

The High Sheriff title is one of the oldest appointments awarded by the monarch. Traditionally he or she looks after the police forces in Gwent.

Mrs Hull, who is married to Dr Desmond Hull and has four children and six grandchildren, has a packed programme ahead. She said: "May will be very full and there are quite a few other arrangements in the book already. It is quite a variety of events and I get to travel all over Gwent."

Her main object in her year of office will be to further the establishment of a centre for young people with problems.

Mrs Hull succeeds out-going High Sheriff Commodore Toby Elliot of Monmouth.