THE chain of office of the 96-year-old Rotary Club of Darlington was handed over last week to its first ever woman president.

Sue Campbell took over the presidency from Paul Robinson at a dinner at Headlam Hall near Darlington when she was handed what is the original chain of office.

The club, one of the biggest and oldest in the region, has previously only ever had male presidents. Sue, a journalist who lives in Gainford, said: ‘It’s a great honour to be taking on this role. But it’s not just about being the first woman president, it’s about being a good president, following many excellent ones that have gone before.’

The club raises tens of thousands of pounds a year for good causes, locally and internationally.

The evening also saw the awarding by the outgoing president of a Paul Harris Fellowship – an international award which recognises substantial and significant contribution to the Rotary movement – to Rotarian Tony Marshall of Darlington.

The black tie dinner was attended by more than 100 people.

To find out more about the work of the Rotary Club or how to join visit

www.rotary-ribi.org

and search for Darlington.