“TAKE good care of it” said Sid Valley Rotary Club president John Loveridge as he handed over the chain of office to Paul Dowen at the club’s meeting at the Blue Ball in Sidford on Monday.

Paul, a chartered surveyor from Sidmouth, said it was an honour to take over the role. He paid tribute to the many successful events which had been achieved during John’s year as president, including raising almost �3,000 for Children’s Hospice South West, and, with Sidmouth Rotary Club, providing 16 Shelter Boxes which were dispatched to different parts of the world to support people in disaster areas.

Paul’s local charity will be Devon Young Carers, and his first major event will be the summer fayre on Saturday, July 24 at Blackmore Gardens, Sidmouth from 10am. A large variety of stalls, activities, sideshows and refreshments are planned.

Sid Valley Rotary club meets on Mondays at the Blue Ball at 6.45pm.