The new president of Bradford-based Society of Dyers and Colourists (SDC) has vowed to put the organisation at the heart of the international colour industry.

Chris Sargeant is taking over the role from Roy Seddon, who stepped down as president in April.

The society is the world's only professional body and educational charity dedicated to advancing the science and technology of colour.

Mr Sargeant said his policy will be to help the SDC broaden its remit and embrace colourists in other sectors, particularly design and computer aided design.

He also plans to enhance the society's services to its traditional members.

"This policy is intended to create an increase in membership, foster more regions globally and help position the Society as the world's leading authority in all things relating to colour," he said.

"We have already made significant progress internationally and my aim is to reinforce this process."

In the Society's annual report outgoing president Roy Seddon spoke of the challenges facing the organisation.

"My year as president has exposed me to full range of Society activities and, quite frankly, the more I have seen the more impressed I have been," he said.

"The challenges facing us are many and varied, often with no easy solution, but I see a strategy in place to move us forward."

Mr Sargeant worked for Marks & Spencer for 30 years, and was head of colour management for the entire clothing business from 1990.

In this role he pioneered the large scale commercial use of colour control, giving the company a worldwide lead in this specialist technology.

He opted for early retirement in 2000, and is now an independent colour management consultant and has worked for major firms in America including Liz Claiborne and Victoria's Secrets.

A keen musician playing both piano and guitar, Mr Sargeant is married with two daughters.

He is president of the Chesham Camera Club and is also a keen golfer.