THE newly elected verderer of Epping Forest has pronounced his vocation “a dream come true”.

Michael Chapman has been announced as the latest appointment to the historic post, which is one of the oldest jobs in the world dating back to the 13th century.

He said: “I've been interested in the forest all my life, as a walker and amateur naturalist. When I heard there was this vacancy it was just a dream come true.

“I'm very pleased that I've been given the opportunity to take this position. As a child I spent all my time playing in the forest. We are proud of it and it is part of our heritage.”

A solicitor by trade, Mr Chapman, 64, who lives in Epping Green, is already a well-known community figure and member of a number of organisations.

He is a deputy lieutenant of Essex, chairman of St Clare's Hospice, in Hastingwood, and vice-president of the Theydon Bois and District Rural Preservation Society.

His new role as verderer is entirely voluntary and serves to represent the views of the common people on the board of City of London, who are responsible for maintaining Epping Forest.

Mr Chapman will take up his position in January 2010 to represent the Northern Parishes - Epping, Theydon Bois, Loughton, Waltham Holy Cross, Chingford and Chigwell.

He said: “The forest is unique being so close to London. There's always interesting discussions there. My first task will be to meet people, particularly those working in the forest, to see what the major issues will be.

“The big challenge is obviously the increasing population and the pressures on the forest of losing its natural beauty. I'm really looking forward to that challenge.”