Okehampton and District Chamber of Trade has elected a new president.

Brian Hutchings, of Telecare Electric in Okehampton, has taken over from William Cornish.

At the chamber's annual meeting last Thursday Mr Cornish said: 'I retired some three years ago from business in the town but I was happy to stay on as president until someone was willing to take my place.

'We are grateful Brian has agreed to become president. He has a well established business in town and is a popular member of our community and a member of several organisations in town.'

In his last report as president, Mr Cornish called for every business in town to join the chamber.

He said: 'The chamber provides a platform to share ideas, present joint views on town development and embark on projects to benefit all.

'The chamber of trade gives you an opportunity to make a contribution to the well-being of the whole community. In making that contribution you improve the whole and that includes your own business.'

He wished business good luck in what has been predicted as a difficult year ahead.

'We must remain positive and focused this year. The greatest asset any business has is its personnel and the most important person in your business is the customer and he must be treated as so. That way we can keep people shopping and doing business locally. I am only stating the obvious but now is a good time to stand back and take a look at our businesses and perhaps do a bit of tweaking.'

Ian Bailey, chairman of the chamber, told members in his report how important it was to promote the town, especially this year.

He said: I feel that it is ever more important to promote our own companies well to attract whatever customers there are looking to do business — it is also important to promote our town to attract the visitors and locals to do their shopping here.

'The chamber certainly plays its part here with the hanging baskets, Christmas lights, the promotional leaflets and town maps. Any opportunity for promotion must be taken.

'In helping to attract more members I feel it is important we have more social events during the year. This will enhance the chamber and help network business to business."

Mr Bailey went on to thank Mr Cornish for his years of service to the chamber and to welcome Mr Hutchings in his role as president. Mr Cornish was made an honorary life member.