A NEW face has taken over at the top of Richmond Meet following the group's annual meeting.

Christine Hill will be president for 2004. She has been a member for several years and has been the group's charity collection co-ordinator for the past three.

She is also a leading light in the Meet variety shows as a performer and, as her hobby is needlecraft, has had a great deal to do with the costumes.

Outgoing president Bob White handed over the chain of office and said: "This year has been a very good one for the Meet.

"The introduction of the Christmas party, reverting to the traditional Meet weekend, and the Festival of Remembrance to end the year has made it really successful.

"The Meet has entertained the town in many ways and has also been able to give nearly £5,000 to various organisations and good causes this year."