Worthing's first high sheriff judges service hailed 'a wonderful afternoon'

The traditional church service, which is organised by the high sheriff of West Sussex, took place at Christ Church in Grafton Road.

The service is typically a tribute to the community, court judges and magistrates and this year’s sheriff – Caroline Nicholls – was eager to bring it back to her home town.

Mrs Nicholls said: “The Judge’s Service has roots which stretch back hundreds of years.

“It creates a wonderful opportunity to pay a tribute to all those in the community who work to protect us and keep us safe – and to all those who volunteer.”

Ahead of the service the procession, which started off from St Paul’s Community Hub in Chapel Road to the church, was joined by Worthing mayor Paul Baker, mayors from other West

Sussex towns, judges, representatives of Sussex Police and West Sussex Fire Service, Worthing Police Cadets and the Worthing Town Crier, Bob Smytherman.

Representatives from charities and organisations in the county also attended.

Mrs Nicholls said: “It was a wonderful afternoon, it went very well and we had over 200 people there.

“It’s a celebration and a tribute to law and order and the justice system.

“It’s also a thank you to those in West Sussex that work hard on behalf of the community.”

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

Worthing mayor Paul Baker said: “The Judges Service being held in Worthing is a tremendous honour for our town.

“I would like to thank the high sheriff of West Sussex for deciding to hold the service in her home town this year.”

SEE MORE: Worthing to host high sheriff’s Judges Service for first time

Procession through Worthing kicks off high sheriff’s judges service