Grace, 10, is set to take on one of Lichfield's greatest honours - here's why
She is too young to do a paper round. She may even struggle to open a junior bank account until she reaches her next birthday.
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But on Saturday, at the tender age of 10, Grace Francis will carry one of the highest offices in the West Midlands as she takes part an ancient procession through her home city.
Grace will make history when she joins Cathy Wood, Sheriff of Lichfield, for the 471st sheriff's ride around the 15th century boundaries of the city.
"I can’t wait to be part of the ride," says Grace, who was earlier this year appointed as the Lichfield's first Junior Sheriff.
"I will be travelling with my mum, leaving the city in a horse and carriage.
"To be the first ever Junior Sheriff is amazing, I can’t wait to see all the horses and the cyclists travel around the 16-mile course."
Forty horses will take part in this year's event, with Olympic gold medallist Jane Holderness-Roddam also joining the ride. Cyclists have also been invited to join them, to broaden the appeal of the tradition.
The event dates back to 1553, when Gregorie Stonynge, the city's first sheriff, was commanded by Queen Mary to carry out a patrol around its boundaries to mark the granting of its royal charter. The tradition has continued, in some form or other, every year since – although it had to be scaled back considerably following Covid restrictions.
