THE new president of the Rotary Club of Skipton Craven has praised his predecessor for keeping the club in the news.

Rotarian Keith Drummond-Brassington has replaced Colin Hargreaves as president, making him the club's 37th since its inauguration in 1988. It is his second stint as president, his first was in 1997.

Mr Drummond-Brassington said: “It would be remiss of me not to thank Colin for all the hard work he has done on behalf of the club from keeping us all in order, to featuring in the media whether it be in print or television, but always making sure that Skipton Craven Rotary club is mentioned and brought to everyone’s attention. I have a hard act to follow."

He added: "For our size we are a very successful and hard-working club and will continue to be so. We will also be looking to welcome new people to our club either as full members or as friends of rotary. We may be a small club, but we achieve big things, and we need all the help we can get so we can continue to raise funds to help others.”

Former president, Colin Hargreaves looked ahead to the annual Santa fun run, and hoped there would be enough collectors to take part in the Santa sleigh visits.

He said: “The Rotary Club of Skipton Craven has continued, again this year, to be a very active rotary Club both in the community and fundraising for charity. ‘Service Above Self’ is still alive and kicking by the members here at our club.

"Christmas time has always been a busy period for our members but as usual they supported the highly successful Great Skipton Santa Fun Run last November, as I’m sure it will continue to be this year.

"Having sufficient collectors for the Santa Sleigh nights seems to be an annual concern but again thanks to help from members, their friends and Skipton Step into Action volunteers, the Santa Sleigh continued to visit the usual 11 areas around Skipton."

He added: "I would like to thank members and team leaders for their support during my year as president and congratulate Keith Drummond-Brassington on his election to be president of the Rotary Club of Skipton Craven for the second time.”

For more information about the Rotary Club of Skipton Craven go to www.skiptoncravenrotary.co.uk For information about the Great Skipton Santa Fun Run 2024, go to www.skiptonsantafunrun.com