A ROTARY club received a visit from its national president because of its impressive programme of activities.

Brian Stoyell, the president of all 1,800 clubs in Britain and Ireland, visited the Rotary Club of Guisborough and Great Ayton on Thursday.

"It was a great honour for the club to have the national president visit us," said Peter Sotheran, the Guisborough club's president.

"The last presidential visit was more than 30 years ago. The club was selected for the visit on the recommendation of the district governor who was impressed by the strength of the club's programme of activities and the fellowship between the members.

Rotary clubs are open to men and women and membership is by invitation.

Members must be in a position of responsibility in their work or profession.

There are vacancies in the club for accountants and retail managers.

"The principle of Rotary is to maintain high business ethics and to be willing to use one's personal skills for the benefit of others," said Mr Sotheran.

Anyone wanting more information should send a letter to the Rotary Club, Gisborough Hall Hotel, Guisborough.