ROTARY is "one of the nation's best-kept secrets", according to the new president of the Haworth & Worth Valley club.

Tony Jefferey said raising the organisation's profile and boosting membership were among the priorities of his presidential term.

"This will be a very demanding year but all our members are eager and willing to help the club achieve its targets," he said.

"We must ensure all our existing members are involved in club activities, that they feel part of a team and that their views are acknowledged and acted upon.

"Rotary is one of the nation's best-kept secrets and to address this we are hoping the rest of the Bradford clubs will join forces with us to help promote it and recruit new members.

"Although we are few in number, we always rise to the challenge."

Mr Jefferey said another aim was to build links with the business community.

He added: "We want to raise businesses' awareness of how we serve the local community and inform them of who we are and what our Rotary club does, in the hope that we can build a

stronger relationship.

"We aim to do this through personal contact and leafleting."

The club will also continue to support the Rotary Foundation – through fundraising events and donations – and specific foundation causes.

And there will be a number of open evenings.

Mr Jefferey paid tribute to his predecessor, Angie Pleasants, for the work she carried out and leadership shown during her year in office.