A NEW President has taken over at Otley Lions - and will support the campaign to get the Lido reopened.

The changeover took place at the club's end-of-year barbecue on Sunday, June 26, when outgoing President Eric Booth handed over the chain of office to Gareth Dibble.

Judy Pears, meanwhile, was appointed as new Vice President at the event, which was attended by Town Mayor Councillor Ian Jackson (Lib Dem, Ashfield) and his Consort, Angela Graham.

Mr Booth took the opportunity to reflect on the group's achievements of the past year - including, through his President's Project, supporting the campaign to get more community defibrillators in Otley.

The Lions got six of the lifesaving devices installed in town over the past 12 months, along with another one at Askwith.

They also helped organised free first aid courses in Otley and Askwith, which included defibrillator training.

Mr Booth said other notable achievements had included:

*Providing equipment for the Margaret Carey Foundation, supplying chairs to Otley Courthouse, and supporting the Otley Flood Appeal.

*Working with Otley in Bloom to get wicker cyclists installed outside Otley Fire Station, and seeing the Lions' Den children's playground flourish

*Supporting the Chernobyl Children's Project with a trip to Forbidden Corner

*Continuing to collect donations for Tools for Africa, along with spectacles, hearing aids and books in support of Lions' projects overseas.

He said: "We remain indebted to all who have supported and continue to support us in their endeavours and, without whom, the help given in service and donations would be diminished considerably."

Mr Dibble has chosen Friends of Otley Lido as his President's Project for the coming year, and Leonie Sharp from the group was among the guests.

Also present was Councillor Ian Jackson (Lib Dem, Ashfield), who is leading the Otley defibrillators project, and his wife, Fiona.