AN outgoing High Sheriff looked back fondly on her time in post after it came to an unfortunate and abrupt end due to coronavirus.

The Office of High Sheriff is an independent, non-political Royal appointment for a single year.

Their duties include attendance at royal visits in the county and support for Her Majesty’s High Court Judges when on Circuit.

High Sheriffs also play an increasingly active role in promoting a wide range of voluntary work within their communities, together with encouraging and participating in projects designed to reduce crime.

Stephanie Catherall, from Nercwys, served as High Sheriff of Clwyd until about a week ago.

Her plan had been to recognise many projects, charity champions and volunteers at an awards ceremony at Theatr Clwyd in recent weeks.

But the increasing spread of covid-19 saw the cancellation of the event, as well as the closure of the theatre.

Soon thereafter Mrs Catherall, 72, stepped down as incoming High Sheriff David Wynne-Finch took up the role for the forthcoming year.

She told the Leader she had been very disappointed not to have been able to officially recognise and thank the many nominees who were due to attend her event, but spoke of her joy at having the opportunity to visit so many worthy schemes over the past 12 months.

"There have been some fantastic projects," she said.

"Some of my favourites have been The Land and Garden Gang in Plas Madoc in Wrexham, Youth Shedz in Denbigh, the Brighter Futures Hub in Rhyl and the Mini Police Police project which we rolled out with Alexandra School in Wrexham.

"One of my highlights was inspecting the Royal Welsh Guard when they had the Freedom of Wrexham."

Mrs Catherall explained another big part of her year in office was welcoming not one, but three high court judges to the county, as well as the Lord Chief Justice.

"They say you'll usually have one high court judge visit during your year, but I was not expecting three," she added.

"The High Sheriff's magazine has asked me to write a piece because I had so many judges visiting.

"It has been a very good year and I am just so sorry that it had to end so abruptly and under a cloud."

Mrs Catherall formerly ran her own Deeside-based hair, beauty and fashion business named Stephanie's.

She said now she has stepped down, she plans to continue doing charity work, something she and her husband David have always done.