The Forest of Dean has its first female verderer in the 800 years since the post was created.

Coleford-born Sue Middleton, who currently runs the Foresters Forest  environmental, history and culture project was elected yesterday (Tuesday) in an ancient ceremony at Gloucester Cathedral.

She was selected by show of hands of Gloucestershire electors ahead of freeminer and geologist Mr Spencer Thomas.

She joins the three other Verderers, Mr Bob Jenkins, Mr Ian Standing and Mr Rich Daniels.

The role of the Verderers is to protect the “vert and version” – the environment and animals – of the Forest of Dean.

The election was called following the death last year of Mr Maurice Bent of Ruardean.

The writ from Her Majesty the Queen commanding county electors to select a new Verderer was and there were introductions from the High Sheriff of Gloucestershire,  Mrs Jane Tufnell, and Senior Verderer Mr Bob Jenkins.

The Sheriff runs the election on behalf of Her Majesty.

Both candidates gave short speeches before Mrs Tufnell invited electors to raise their hands for either Ms Middleton or Mr Thomas.

Forestry England staff walked along the aisle counting votes after which Ms Middleton was declared the winner.

Ms Middleton said: “I have always believed that our Forest is a very special place, but in the last seven years I have learnt so much more about our natural, built and cultural heritage because I have led the Foresters’ Forest programme. It has been the best sort of apprenticeship to become a Verderer.”

Gloucester Cathedral was packed with voters at the election last Tuesday (March 1)

Both Ms Middleton and Mr Thomas said it was important to balance the needs of people using the Forest and the environment.

Ms Middleton said: “As more and more people want to visit the Forest and enjoy it, it comes under pressure, so we need to ensure that there is a balance between the competing demands of the economy, people and wildlife so that our Forest continues to thrive in the future.

“I would like to be involved in that process, as one of the Verderers, to help the Forest meet its challenges in the years ahead.”

Mr Thomas said he had “strong views” on the over-commercialisation of the Forest.

He said: “A Verderer has to be passionate in all aspects of the Forest – its past, its present and, most importantly, its future.

“I am passionate that the Forest should not be privatised and sold off for short term gain.”

The Verderers meet in a court at the Speech House to discuss issues relating to the Forest.

Mr Jenkins said the winner of the election would receive a warm welcome at the next court which is due to be held on April 29.