WITH July marking the start of the new Rotary year, Anton Rotary Club has named its new president this month.

Former president Alex Armstrong handed over the reins to Mike Walton during a special event at the Oak, in Smannell, on Thursday, July 4.

Mike thanked Alex for his hard work over the year, during which the organisation raised and donated in the region of £10,000 to local charities and causes.

He also had a chance to outline his own plans for the coming year, including a variety concert at St Mary’s Church in October, Santa’s sleigh at Christmas and the club’s famous duck race on the river Anton in May.

Mike will be supported by senior vice president Gary Adams, who also assumed his new role at the meeting.

As well as the presidential handover, a cheque for £1,000 was presented to Michelle Gard on behalf of the Countess of Brecknock Hospice at the event.

The hospice is one of the charities the club will continue to support over the coming year.