TWO of Worcestershire's most high-profile figures are going to be grilled in public by a council watchdog, it has emerged.

For the first time ever, the post-holders of High Sheriff and Lord Lieutenant are going to be asked to appear before a Worcestershire County Council panel to be held to account.

Both roles are largely ceremonial and revolve around charitable deeds, and until now the incumbents have avoided any sort of public questioning on what they do.

But the council's Overview, Scrutiny and Performance Board (OSPB) has now revealed that it intends to invite both High Sheriff Michael Hogan and the Lord Lieutenant, Lt Col Patrick Holcroft to County Hall for a Q&A.

Councillor Richard Udall, who chairs the OSPB, said: "I have long argued that people who hold such positions need to held to account, not only for their actions but for how they spend public money.

"The county council funds the Lord Lieutenant, he receives in excess of £20,000 each year.

"Nobody in public life is above scrutiny and even the Lord Lieutenant and High Sheriff need to be held to account for their actions.

"Neither the Lord Lieutenant or the High Sheriff have anything to fear from such an exercise - they may have much to gain by blowing away the cobwebs of their official roles and allowing us to ask searching questions."

Lt Col Holcroft, who as Lord Lieutenant is the Queen's representative in the county, succeeded Michael Brinton, the former chairman of Kidderminster’s Brinton Carpets, who died in 2012.

His duties include arranging visits for the Royal family, presenting honours and awards, supporting reserve forces and cadets and encouraging charitable giving.

The role of High Sheriff dates back to Saxon times and is an honorary post but continues to perform some of the vital historic duties in Worcestershire, such as ensuring the wellbeing of Her Majesty’s High Court judges when on circuit in the county and being in attendance for royal visitors.

Post-holder Mr Hogan, 71, who farms just outside Tenbury, said: "I have no problems appearing before them at all - I would welcome the opportunity to tell them what I do and look forward to it.

"The position costs the taxpayer nothing and it does a lot of good for Worcestershire society."