The President at Ashby Castle Rotary Club, Mark Arjoo, has completed his year at the helm and this week passed over the club to his successor Margaret Hawksworth.

Well known locally as Ashby's former Ashby police officer, the Rotary Club says Mark led the club fantastically well over the last 12 months, handing it over in a healthy state, having led the club as it raised significant amounts of money for charity - while delivering volunteering and service to help the local community.

In his year as President, the club reported it has raised or received an impressive total of £24,823.79.

The Rotary Club has thanked all who helped them to achieve this, be it in general donations or by supporting any of the Club's events such as the Ashby Santa Fun Run and Walk, Santa Sleigh, quiz nights and more throughout the last 12 months.

This support has enabled Ashby Castle Rotary Club to give away a total of £22,689.33 in Mark's year as President, with financial support provided to over 25 different charities, causes or supporting various projects and competitions that the Rotary Club runs for the good of the local and international communities that it supports.

On handing over the reins, Mark said: "I've had a thoroughly enjoyable year as President of Ashby Castle, and to be able to support the Club and its members to raise such a huge amount of money is wonderful.

"None of this would be possible without the support of all the brilliant people in our local community in supporting all that we do.

"I'm looking forward now to supporting Margaret in her year as President in achieving even more!"

Margaret will be serving as President for the second time, previously holding the post nearly 20 years ago.

Outlining some of her plans for the next 12 months, she said: "This year will be as busy as ever for our club, with us having various plans already to support a number of local and international charities, local community projects and a variety of youth projects.

"It's a special one for us also as we celebrate the Club's 30th anniversary, and we also see our very own Chris Knight take over as Rotary District Governor for the 80 clubs in our area. It's a special time to be President and I'm looking forward to the next 12 months."