ADRIAN Widdowson, tax director at accountants Garbutt & Elliot, has been appointed the new Master of the historic York Guild of Scriveners.

Adrian, who takes over from Jean Jesty, was sworn in at a special ceremony at Bedern Hall.

He said: “This is a tremendous honour for me and I feel very humble.

“The Guild is part of the fabric of the history of York and I am privileged to be the new Master.”

One of Adrian’s main tasks as Master will be to preside over the annual Assize of Ale on behalf of the Sheriff of York in August.

One of the charities which will benefit from the Assize of Ale is the York Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB), which Adrian, who is treasurer of the CAB, has chosen as his charity of the year for the Guild of Scriveners.

He said: “A dozen of us are trying to raise the CAB’s profile as a fundraising independent charity, and raise some much-needed funds, by taking part in the Jane Tomlinson 10k run this August.”