BRIAN Stott is the new president of Skipton Craven Rotary Club.

Born and educated in the town, Mr Stott worked for Skipton Building Society for 40 years, and has been a Rotarian for 13 years.

He has always wanted to see the area succeed, and for everyone to have equal opportunities to shine.

He will lead the 33 club members, who come from many walks of life, and work on an agenda of fund raising and volunteering to help charities, individuals and organisations both in the area, and further afield in a spirit of fellowship.

Key events for the club include the annual Great Santa Fun which has raised more than £130,000 since it started and the Christmas charity collections with Santa in his sleigh visiting the area's supermarkets.

Other activities include assisting in the running of a Youth Technology Tournament for secondary school students and supporting Rotary Youth Leadership Awards and Ocean Youth Trust North which allows young people to experience decision making and team work on land and at sea.

“I have loved every minute of being in Rotary and I am proud we will be supporting something new for us this year from September 29 to October 1 by funding educational workshops with a puppet theme for school children, so that they and their families can be involved in the Skipton Puppet Festival.

"We hope to assist with being route marshals for the wonderful parade of puppets through the streets of Skipton on Sunday 1st October 1."

Anyone interested in becoming a member of the Skipton Craven Rotary Club can find out more on the website: rotary-ribi.org/clubs/homepage.php?ClubID=1667