AN OUTSPOKEN campaigner for Thirsk Chamber of Trade, Don Moore, resigned on Tuesday as he is about to leave the town.

But when no-one offered to take on the chairmanship, rather than let the group founder he offered to continue in the position - even though he is removing to Teesside.

Mr Moore, former landlord of the Lord Nelson, St James' Green, has been chairman for the past five years. He has always been keen to shout up for Thirsk and its business people, though recent meetings have been sparsely attended.

Proud of the town, he has tried to rally members not to be apathetic and give some time io fighting on behalf of business people, including themselves.

The group is struggling, for despite a large membership, sometimes only four or five people turn up at meetings.

For the past year, Mr Moore has been acting as both chairman and secretary, as this position could not be filled either.

At the annual meeting held this week at a new venue, the Three Tuns, he was thanked for his sterling work.

When no nominations for chairman came forward, he said he would continue until a replacement was found rather than let the chamber fold.

"It is too important not to have a voice in the town," he said. "If we let the chamber fold now, you will never get it back again. Without its collective voice, many important issues will go unnoticed or unchallenged to the detriment of all."

In his report for the year, Mr Moore had high praise for "the strongest link", the women's section, which is thriving and carries out all the fundraising for the Christmas lights and Thirsk in Bloom.

He also paid tribute to the workers of Thirsk in Bloom and congratulated them on this year's success and all the committee co-ordinators for their sterling work.

Pam Bruce (Phoebe's) was re-elected vice-chairman, Jill Miller (Luke Miller and Associates) who has been acting as minute taker, agreed to be Secretary, and Chris Morley form HSBC, will continue as treasurer.

A campaign is to be launched to get more members to attend meetings, and it was suggested holding them quarterly instead of monthly.