Dr Paul Cook has been named as President of the Rotary Club of Ashby de la Zouch for 2023 -24.

Paul succeeds retiring President Malcolm Davies and was installed last Thursday (July 6).

He was born in Bristol and moved to Ashby in 1983 to take up a position with Palitoy in Coalville.

When the firm closed, Paul returned to the south-west to further his career in the toy business.

Later, he retrained as a teacher and became a Doctor of Education awarded by Exeter University in 2013.

Paul taught Business, Social Sciences and Teacher Education at Plymouth University, and Exeter College and University.

He returned to the Ashby area 10 years ago to be near his growing family and took up a position with Coventry University until his retirement.

Asked what his objectives were for his Presidential year, Paul said: "I want to continue the past excellent work of Ashby Rotary and to grow the satellite group of the Club, but most importantly to support mental health charities and organisations across the Ashby area."