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Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio Norfolk stalwart Roy Waller is already a familiar voice across the county, but he's about to become a more well-known face at public events around the city, having just been appointed the Sheriff Of Norwich.

Roy put on the sheriff's robes for the first time during the annual mayor-making ceremony in the council chamber at Norwich City Hall while being watched by close family and friends on Tuesday, 3 June, 2008.

The new sheriff was installed along with the Lord Mayor, Councillor Jeremy Hooke, who at 39 years old is one of the youngest people to take on the position.

Wife Sylvie watched the ceremony

"I was very nervous because I didn't know what to expect," said Roy.

"I stepped up there in my gowns with my hat on and I had to make a speech.

"It was a good night though because there were some lovely people and we had a nice time."

Roy was formally invited to take up the role in March while live on-air by leader of the city council Steve Morphew while presenting his afternoon entertainment show.

Roy's new hat

It was a proud moment for the Mile Cross-born broadcaster, who marked the moment by taking off his headphones and putting on his black sheriff's hat for the first time.

Roy, who for many years commentated on all of Norwich City's games, follows in the footsteps of former Canary goalkeeper Bryan Gunn, who was one of the first people to congratulate him when he phoned in during the show.

Another former sheriff, John Drake, celebrated Roy's new title by sending some specially-made cufflinks to the studio.

Roy proudly accepts the sheriff's hat.

Proud occasion

The presenter fought back the tears as he accepted the honour, remarking that it would have made his late father proud.

He said: "It is a great honour. I have lived and worked in Norwich and Norfolk all my life and am a Mile Cross boy who has done quite well for himself."

Councillor Morphew said he was sure Roy would make a good ambassador for the city.

"For the role of sheriff we choose people who have done something worthy of note and who are well respected in the city," he said.

Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio Norfolk editor David Clayton said he's delighted that the avid country music fan has been installed as sheriff.

"This is a huge honour for Roy and, in a way, an honour for Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio Norfolk too," he said.

"Roy is probably the county's best known radio personality and a true son of Norwich."

Norwich has had sheriffs since 1403 and is one of only 15 towns and cities in the UK to do so.

Roy's role will be a ceremonial and a fund-raising one, where he could attend up to 700 events in the next 12 months!