The result of the by-election for Frome and Somerton to elect a new MP was called out by a interesting-looking fellow, who was unusually attired among the grubby journalists and energetic politicos.

Many were intrigued and happy to be told more about the post and why he was wearing tights !

The High Sheriff of Somerset is in fact the oldest secular office after the Crown and dates back to Saxon times, with the earliest record of a Sheriff in Somerset noted even before the Battle of Hastings, in 1061.

The current Sheriff, there on the night in the Bath & West showground, was by a nice coincidence a previous chair of the society which runs the famed agricultural show, itself the oldest continually operating agricultural society in the UK, being held since 1777.

Robert Drewett was sworn in as the 962nd High Sheriff of Somerset in March this year, at Wells Cathedral.

The role, which is of course largely ceremonial, does not pay a wage, which is why Mr Drewett told Nub News how he was forced to source his outfit from second hand outlets and by begging for clothes from former holders of the office, so his jacket was from the famous gardener Alan Titchmarsh, who was previously one of the 55 High Sheriffs in the UK, holding the office in the Isle of Wight.

The court dress consists of a black velvet coat, breeches, long socks (or were they tights) shoes with cut-steel buckles, a sword and a cocked hat - a sartorial dash which would have been the kind of outfit worn at the royal court in the mid 18th century.

So why did he call the count ?

Under the representation of the People Act 1983, the High Sheriff is the Returning Officer for county constituencies, although the smooth-running and fairness of a count is covered by the Acting Returning Officer, who for Somerset is the Chief Executive of Somerset Council Duncan Sharkey.

Historically the High Sheriff is responsible for both the administration of justice and the maintenance of law and order, as well as collecting the fines and rents due to the King (hence the Robin Hood story).

While the role has changed Mr Drewett, who will be in post for a year, is still expected to support the crown, the police and law enforcement agencies, along with the emergency services, local authorities and the voluntary sector, particularly those involved with crime reduction across Somerset. And if there is another by-election in Somerset before March 2024, announce the votes.