A STALWART member of a community sport association is taking a step back after two decades at the club.

Okehampton Community Recreation Association (OCRA) bid farewell to its sport and recreation manager Stuart Lord this month after announcing he was leaving to pursue ‘new challenges’.

Stuart has been at OCRA for more than 20 years and has helped to grow the group into the well-known community asset it is today.

The group announced his departure on its website and Facebook page last week, thanking him for his dedication to the organisation over the years.

A spokesperson for OCRA said: ‘We are saddened to announce the departure of OCRA’s sport and recreation manager Stuart Lord.

‘After 21 years of dedicated service, which has seen OCRA grow from a small, charitable enterprise to a mainstay within the community, Stuart is leaving OCRA to seek new challenges in sports development.

‘The staff, trustees and all those who have participated in OCRA’s activities over the years would like to thank him for his long service and we wish him all the best for the future.

‘Handing over his day-to-day responsibilities, Stuart will continue to support OCRA in the coming months.

‘OCRA continues to deliver its full programme of sports and recreation for the community and schools in our area and we are grateful for everyone’s support and understanding as we go through a period of change.’