A NEW president has been welcomed at the Bridport Rotary Club.

The presidents' handover went ahead last week at the Bridport Golf Club - due to coronavirus restrictions it was not a traditional ceremonial event and masks and strict seating arrangements were in place.

Past president Roger Pollock handed over to the new president Bernard Paull, who in turn inaugurated president-elect Colin Bowditch and president-nominee Chrissie Bailey.

Mr Paull thanked Mr Pollock for guiding the club through an extremely frustrating year, with most meetings held on Zoom.

Despite the challenges of the pandemic, the rotary club was able to raise £2,500 to provide schools with laptops and tables, £2,000 to support the Bridport skate park, £250 to Branden's Trail and £2,000 to Bridport Town Council’s Coronavirus Community Support group, among other charitable donations.

The former president's chosen charity, the Dorset Blind Association, will shortly receive his donation of £600.