REDCAR councillor Chris Abbott has been appointed chairman of the Yorkshire Ridings Society.

The society's executive committee made the decision at its meeting on Tuesday.

Coun Abbott will replace founder member Colin Holt, who died in April.

Coun Abbott said: "It is a real honour to follow Colin Holt as chairman of the Ridings Society. It was a sad blow when we lost Colin in April, but the society carries on with the same enthusiasm that has kept it going for more than 30 years.

"I feel proud that members have placed their trust in me as the person to continue the good work that Colin started. Some of these members have travelled to York, from all parts of the county, six or eight times year, in all weathers, to meetings and have kept the society alive and thriving since 1974."

Roger Sewell, of Goole, who last year completed a charity walk around the boundary of Yorkshire, has been appointed as the vice-chairman.