NILS Westman has become the new president of Okehampton Rotary Club after receiving the chain of office from outgoing president Sarah Watts.

A chartered accountant, Nils has lived and worked in Okehampton since 1997, and received the chain of office at a special handover ceremony at the White Hart Hotel.

To mark the end of her presidential year, outgoing president Sarah Watts hosted a black tie president's night at the Charter Hall.

Almost 100 guests attended to celebrate the end of a successful year for the club, including mayor Cllr the Rev Mike Davies and other dignitaries. The evening was a mix of formal thanks and light-hearted fun, with a performance from magician David Wright.

Sarah said: 'It was a wonderful evening, and a great way to end what has been a very busy year. It seems to have gone by so fast but I am grateful that the club gave me the opportunity to take the chair and I wish my successor every success in his year.'

Nils has chosen Wren Music as his president's charity, and as part of their support Wren will be invited to play and sing at Rotary venues and events.

Okehampton Rotary runs and is involved with a number of community events and activities, including the May Fair, coffee and stroke awareness mornings, the Rotary Youth Leadership Award, Okehampton Show, Devon Young Carers, and Room 13.