TAVISTOCK's mayor praised the Rotary Club of Tavistock for its invaluable contribution to the town at the President's Night.

Mayor Anne Johnson, speaking at the Rotary Club's president's night at the Moorland Garden Hotel, praised the club, mentioning its input in the Work Club, now in its second year, and its ongoing support for Tavistock Area Support Services, as well as contributing to a number of other local charities and organisations in the town.

Rotary district governor Maxine Stoyel, on proposing the toast to the guests, referred to the wider community and the family of Rotary when she said: 'Rotary clubs are communities within communities within the worldwide community and Rotarians are themselves community champions. We believe that society works better when we work together.'

Maxine then presented club president Clive Fairchild with a Rotary Community and Vocational Commendation in recognition of the club's services to the community.

The after dinner speaker, Vice Admiral Sir Jonathan Tod, recalled his long and distinguished career in the Royal Navy and afterwards accepted a donation from the club on behalf of the Chestnut Appeal, where he acts as ambassador of the charity.