A Powys businessman has been appointed High Sheriff of the county, following in his grandfather’s footsteps almost 70 years on.

William Watkins, founder of soft drinks manufacturer Radnor Hills, was sworn in during a ceremony at the Judge’s Lodging in Presteigne on Friday, April 10.

His grandfather, Jack Watkins MBE, served as High Sheriff of Radnorshire in 1956.

Mr Watkins said taking on the historic role was “a great honour and responsibility”, particularly given his family connection.

“I was very fond of my grandfather so when I was asked to become High Sheriff 70 years on from him doing the very same role I didn’t think twice about it,” he said.

“They had a different set of challenges in his day, but they certainly had as many challenges.”

The role of High Sheriff dates back more than 1,000 years and focuses on supporting the judiciary, emergency services and voluntary organisations.

Guests at the declaration ceremony included members of the judiciary, local officials, community leaders and representatives from charities. Mr Watkins was joined by family members and colleagues from Radnor Hills.

During his year in office, he said he hopes to highlight the work of communities across the three ancient counties of Radnorshire, Breconshire and Montgomeryshire - which were merged in 1974 to create the county of Powys - and raise awareness of the pressures facing the farming sector.

Mr Watkins comes from a farming background, with five generations of his family based at Heartsease Farm in Powys. Earlier generations farmed in Llandegley and Dolau.

“This role is all about Powys, a county that I love,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to using this position to shine a light on the amazing work being done across the county, particularly by volunteers, but also those in the emergency services, the judiciary, the public sector, nursing and farming, which so often goes unnoticed.”

He has chosen to support The DPJ Foundation (www.thedpjfoundation.co.uk) a Welsh mental health charity working with people in agriculture.

“I come from a farming background, and my company is based in a very rural community, so I understand how lonely a job farming can be,” he said.

“Farmers are facing ever increasing pressures with changes in agricultural support and rising costs.

“It’s a very tough environment which makes it so important for us to keep an eye out for the mental health of our farming community.”

Radnor Hills, based near Knighton, employs around 280 people and produces more than 400 million drinks each year using spring water sourced locally in Powys.

The company, which recently marked its 35th anniversary, has also placed an emphasis on sustainability, including local sourcing and fully recyclable products.

Mr Watkins said he was looking forward to the year ahead and gaining a new perspective on the county.

“My predecessors in the role have all told me that as well as what you think you know about the county, you will see it through a whole new lens,” he added.