Ilkley Soroptimists welcomed Jo Thornley as its new president for the year, at its last meeting.

Anne Mary Inglehearn, who was has been commended for providing “excellent leadership and dedication” as president for the past year, passed on the role.

Soroptimists share a vision locally, nationally and internationally to raise awareness and funds to support people who live in countries where there is extreme poverty and the lack of basic facilities which we take for granted.

The organisation also advocates the basic human rights of women to be free from slavery and have the necessary resources of food, clean water, medication, education for their children and the means to support their families in their own communities.

The new Ilkley club president chose water and the environment as her theme for the year, with the club continuing to raise funds for Water Aid.

She said: “I should like to continue with the excellent work that has been put in place during the past year and continue with the theme of Health For All, which has been a focus for both fundraising and enjoyment.

“Nationally, awareness and funds have been raised for Breast Cancer and more locally we sought funding with other partners to build a rebound wall and bring tennis coaching to children and adults at the Lido. Ilkley Soroptimist members have undertaken First Aid training, walked perilously across Morecambe Bay, had speakers representing the Friends of Ilkley Moor and learned about Gluten Free Cooking.”