A BRADFORD woman has become the first Asian female to be sworn in as High Sheriff for West Yorkshire. 

Professor Adeeba Malik made history when she was appointed to the role in Leeds yesterday. 
 
The year-long voluntary, non-political position continues a tradition which stretches back more than 1,000 years. 

As High Sheriff, Prof Malik's duties will include attending royal visits throughout West Yorkshire.

Prof Malik said: "It is an enormous honour to take on this important role. 

"I look forward to serving my home county and meeting the many different people who do so much good for West Yorkshire. 

"It will be a privilege to support those who work so hard in crime prevention, as well as those from the public, private, community, charity, and voluntary sectors, who create such positive impact for the region."

Born to Pakistani parents, Prof Malik used to work as a teacher in Bradford and Hull. 

She has been involved with Bradford-charity the QED Foundation - which works to "improve the social and economic position of disadvantaged communities" - for more than three decades.

In addition to her role at QED, Prof Malik has held numerous positions on various boards across Yorkshire and the rest of the UK.
 
Prof Malik, who has won many accolades and awards over the years, added: "West Yorkshire, like the rest of the UK, has faced many challenges over decades. 

"However, through my years of work in the county, I know there is so much good work taking place by so many different people, and I want to acknowledge that in my year as High Sheriff and champion those people who do great work across our communities."

Dr Mohammed Ali, chief executive of the QED Foundation, said: "When I set up QED 34 years ago, I stated a vision, which was to see ethnic minorities play full roles in Britain's mainstream social and economic life. 

"I see this vision becoming reality in all walks of life, which gives me great pleasure that we are on the right track. 

"Adeeba's appointment as the first ethnic minority woman High Sheriff for Yorkshire is a great example of that. 

"I'm immensely proud of Adeeba and all her achievements and contribution to QED over the years. 

"She's already a much-loved and respected force for good in our region and beyond."

The Office of High Sheriff dates back more than 1,300 years when the holder of the title represented the monarch, collected taxes, raised armies and was the rule of law across the county.