Well known broadcaster Roy Waller is to follow in the footsteps of a former Canaries goalkeeper after being named the next Sheriff of Norwich.
The BBC Radio Norfolk presenter was formally invited to take up the historic role during his afternoon programme today (Tuesday 11 March) by leader of the council Steve Morphew.
Former Norwich City goalkeeper Bryan Gunn, who himself has served as Sheriff, was one of the first to congratulate him after phoning in during the show. John Drake, another former Sheriff, meanwhile sent Roy some specially made cufflinks to commemorate him receiving the honour.
The decision to select Roy as Sheriff, taking over from Nick Williams, will be formally taken at a meeting of the full council on Tuesday 18 March.
Best known for covering his beloved Norwich City FC, Roy will be installed on Tuesday 20 May, along with the new Lord Mayor, Cllr Jeremy Hooke.
This will take place at the annual Mayor making ceremony in the council chamber at City Hall, followed by a procession to Norwich Castle where there will be a formal reception.
Close to tears when accepting Cllr Morphew’s invitation live on air, Roy 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.
“I would like to thank you very much for your invitation - it would be a great honour.”
Cllr Morphew said: “For the role of Sheriff we choose people who have done something worthy of note and who are well respected in the city. When you look at the people who have been chosen in recent years there has been a theme of recognising their contribution and often the organisations they are associated with.
“Roy is a Mile Cross boy who has been very successful and is still proud of his roots. He will make a fine ambassador for the city. The BBC plays an important role in the city and Roy has been very much part of that for a long time.”
David Clayton, managing editor at Radio Norfolk, added: "This is a huge honour for Roy and, in a way, an honour for BBC Radio Norfolk too. Roy is probably the county's best known radio personality and a true son of Norwich.
“We're all delighted to have the Sheriff of Norwich as our regular afternoon broadcaster and vice versa!"