PAUL DARBY has been elected as the new president of the Harrogate & District Union.

Darby has been a member of Otley for 29 years, and was their captain in 2012.

Although his present handicap is 17, he has been as low as 11.

His son, William, is following in his footsteps and is also an Otley member. The new president said: "It with great pleasure that I have accepted the nomination from the vice-presidents and I thank them for the trust they are placing in me.

"I am very pleased to have the support of my home club, Otley, and the backing they have offered for the year ahead.

"The Union being the smallest in Yorkshire has always been very well supported by club membership at both senior and junior levels, and it is a credit to those who take part in competition.

"Long may it continue and I an sure our executive will be doing their utmost to build on the foundation.

"As with everything in life we face challenges going forward and I would like to ask all member clubs and their memberships to support the union as much as they possibly can so we can fulfil our aim of offering good standards of golf for our members and support our senior and junior teams in the year ahead in a fair, honest and friendly way."