IT was all change for Sidmouth s Hopeful Voulnteers Investment Club last week as it underwent a leadership overhaul.

IT was all change for Sidmouth's Hopeful Voulnteers Investment Club last week as it underwent a leadership overhaul.

Having completed their three-year tenure, Club chairman Tony Lavers, secretary Trevor Tinkler and treasurer Mike Horton handed over the reins in their respective positions to Gabrielle Walker, Andrew Scott and Martin Milmow.

The club's trader Michael Brittain and social secretary Barbara Cotterill remain in place.

Outgoing Chairman Tony Lavers told the Herald that the 16-member club, which meets in Twyford House every month and enjoys an active social side, was formed more than eight years ago at the time of the Dot.com surge.

He said: "When the Dot.com bubble burst, any profit was soon lost, bit in later years the markets improved and members enjoyed good returns until about 12 months ago when thing again started to go belly-up.

"Having said that, our unit value went up nearly 10 per cent last month, so perhaps things are on the move again.

"Although it may be a little early for confidence, there are signs that sentiment is improving, and my belief is that, eventually, the money has to go back into the market.