Butcher Michael Ward is the new president of Keighley Rotary Club.

Mr Ward, pictured right, of Stables Butchers, is an executive director of the National Federation of Meat and Food Traders. He is also a past president of the Confederation of Yorkshire Butchers, and is a regular prizewinner at sausage and pie competitions.

Mr Ward, who has been a Rotarian for 15 years, is the Keighley club's 67th president. During his term of office he will concentrate on expanding the organisation and establishing a new club in the Haworth area.

Priority will be given to raising funds for local charities - particularly children's cancer care - as well as overseas causes.

The social side of Rotary also promises to be active - golf competitions, treasure hunts, canal cruises, go karting and crown and ten-pin bowling are all planned in the coming weeks.

Mr Ward was invested as president by his predecessor Bernard Burke at a ceremony attended by Rotarians and their wives.

It was announced that the Rotarian bus Bertie had been found a new home - thanks to Keighley Ukrainian Club - and that it had a new trailer which would ease its transportation to galas and fetes.

Mr Ward reported that Francis Lougee had been made an honorary life member of the club. He joined the club 48 years ago and is a former president.

Other officers inducted were president elect Warren Oates, vice-president David Petyt, secretary Graham Staines, and treasurer Brian Parkin.

Retiring president Mr Burke thanked members for their support during the year. He particularly praised A Priestley Brook, chairman of the membership committee, who had introduced seven new members to the club. He was awarded the Cannon Trophy as Rotarian of the Year.

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