LANCASTER Castle played host to one of Lancashire's most charming events last Friday.

The castle's magnificent Gothic Shire Hall saw the High Sheriff of Lancashire, Rodney Newman Swarbrick Esq, CBE, DL, present the shield to Mr Eric Jones, Constable of Lancaster Castle.

It was hung in the Shire Hall alongside the shields of previous High Sheriffs.

The colourful spectacle was marked by a fanfare of trumpets and a stunning array of historic costumes.

After a brief service at the Priory, the shield was handed over to the constable for it to be added to the display.

The collection of shields on the walls, dating back over 400 years, has recently been re-arranged and restored by Lancashire County Council.