A GROUP of women who strive to improve the lives of other women and girls has welcomed their new leader.

Soroptimist International Durham’s newly inaugurated president, Dot Hales, presided over the club’s 71st annual charter dinner at Ramside Hall Hotel this month.

More than 100 guests attended the event on Friday, May 4, where Sally Dixon, assistant director of partnerships and communications at Beamish Museum, delivered a talk about the attraction’s plans.

A retired primary school headteacher, Mrs Hales has chosen to spend her year in office supporting Look Good Feel Better - the only international cancer charity which helps women and teenagers manage the visible side effects of treatment.

She has also chosen Clown Doctors, a programme which entertains, supports and empowers children in hospital.

A group spokeswoman said: “She felt these charities weren’t as well known as they should be and the work they did was amazing in the way it improved the lives of those who were helped.”