Hereford Round Table's Millennium year chairman is Shane Powell who received the jewel of office at the annual dinner at the Graftonbury Hotel, Hereford.

He succeeds outgoing chairman Philip Brace, who has led the Tablers in a record-breaking year during which they raised more than £13,000 for local charities.

Shane said afterwards: "Philip is going to be a hard act to follow. We raise a significant amount of money every year from the annual fireworks display and will be looking for at least one new major project to back during my year of office.

"In addition, we would like it known that we welcome contact from a wide range of individual needy causes that do not always receive as much recognition as the well-known local charities."

He added that they also have room for some more members and those interested should contact membership secretary, Tony Cook, on 0467 492779.

Shane is well-known in the county as manager of the South Hereford Audi Centre, and Philip Brace is director of Advantage Office Products.

Hereford Round Table was founded in the city in 1951 and has supported a long list of local causes, including, this year, the drugs awareness campaign and riding for the disabled.