Every year, the Queen appoints a different person as High Sheriff for their county. Martyn Hart took over the Cumbrian role in March this year. He is also Senior Partner of Telford Hart Associates, a Carlisle-based Chartered Quantity Surveying and Cost Consultancy firm.

The official High Sheriff job description involves dealing with matters of law and order, but in practice, many High Sheriffs are driven by the vital part they can play in community life.

The High Sheriff’s Crimebeat Fund was established in 2005 and has awarded more than £44,000 in grants. The Fund supports young people who have already become involved in the youth justice system, or vulnerable youngsters who may be susceptible to making poor decisions and be in danger of becoming entangled with the law.

Martyn said: “A large part of my work is spent meeting the outstanding groups and individuals in our county who – so often voluntarily – provide selfless, invaluable assistance to others.  My focus, inspired by my late daughter Lauren, concerns young people.  I have had the pleasure of helping to raise awareness of the variety of resources available to help the young and especially the most vulnerable along a path to responsible citizenship.”

Martyn has already raised £22,000 for the fund by hosting a charity dinner and arranging a charity walk across Morecambe Bay, which took place in July. He continues: “Funds raised by each High Sheriff are channeled into local projects which address youth crime prevention.  Cumbria Community Foundation provides hands-on assistance as well as excellent insight into identifying appropriate local groups who benefit from Crimebeat grants.  They are my ‘partners against crime’ and play a vital role in our county.”

If you would like to know how to apply for a grant or create a grant making fund, please visit the Foundation’s website www.cumbriafoundation.org or call 01900 825760.