Mr Preston received his chain of office from his predecessor, David Learoyd, at a ceremony at Tickton Grange Hotel.

Rotary International is one of the largest public service organisations in the world, and the Beverley group undertakes a wide variety of activities to serve the community.

Among the activities this year the group was able to offer flood relief help to East Riding schools and sent a large shelter box to Burma to provide shelter and resources for up to 10 people for at least six months. Its recent annual free blood pressure testing day in Toll Gavel Church in support of the Stroke Awareness project attracted more than 300 people. Ten percent of those tested were identified as at risk and advised to see their GP immediately.

Internationally, Rotary is focussing on a final push to elimate polio, and Beverley Rotary Club is also joining forces with other clubs in the area for a major fund raising event at Princes Quay in Hull on Saturday August 16.

For more details about the club, visit www.beverleyrotaryclub.org.uk.