THE reorganisation of Cumbria council into the two areas of Cumberland and Westmorland & Furness is now complete.

But this doesn’t mean Cumbria has ended - the county of Cumbria has been retained as a constitutional boundary, ensuring that the roles of the lord lieutenant, deputy lieutenants, and the high sheriff remain unaltered.

So what is the lieutenancy and what roles do they play in modern society?

In Cumbria, the lord lieutenant is Claire Hensman, who was appointed by Queen Elizabeth II in the ancient form by the sovereign ‘pricking’ her name.

Mrs Hensman is assisted by a vice lieutenant, the Right Honorable Lord Inglewood, and several deputy lieutenants.

The role of the lieutenancy is largely ceremonial and as the monarch's official representative in the county, they welcome and escort royal visitors to the county and keep the Monarch informed of local issues, and assist in making nominations for honors and awards.

They are also often called upon to perform duties such as opening exhibitions and events as the sovereign's representative in the area.

Whitehaven businessman Gerard Richardson MBE was appointed as a deputy lieutenant last year: "It's an incredible honour to be able to support the work of our lord lieutenant and the ancient office of the lieutenancy, especially in such an important year with the coronation of King Charles.

"Traditions are important to maintain and the lieutenancy is a living link to our country's history and I'm so proud to be able to play a role."

The lord lieutenant also leads the local magistracy as chair of the advisory committee for the appointment of new magistrates.

Lord lieutenants and their deputies can wear a uniform that is based on their equivalent military rank of a general staff officer.

Although the lieutenancy is no longer required to raise a militia in times of war, their military connections have been retained and lieutenants often support local regiments and armed forces charities.

The high sheriff of Cumbria is an annual appointment and used to be the sovereign's agent for collecting taxes and maintaining law and order.

The duties have evolved over time but they still lend support to crime prevention agencies and many of them around the country give particular focus on supporting young people in their area. The current high sheriff of Cumbria is Samantha Scott.