Tributes have been paid to outgoing Wem Rotary Club president Michael Howell after stepped down last week.

Mr Howell has valued the commitment of the club in raising funds for the local community over the last 12 months and from his appointment, he has wanted to raise the profile of the club.

The club believes he has managed to do this, with the proof in the recipients of funds raised throughout the year being were presented with their awards at a dinner held at the Old Rectory in Lowe Hill Road.

A spokesperson said: "Annually, funds are raised with the Santa Sleigh runs, the Tree of Light and the John Styles sponsored walk along with other initiatives planned by the club.

"On this special night a total of £3,100 was distributed between the following 12 local organisations: Wem Jubilee Training Band, Wem Town AED Group, Wem Amateur Dramatics (ADOS), Wem Macular Society, First Wem Scout Group, Wem Youth Club, Wem Swimming and Lifestyle Centre (WSLC), North Salop Wheelers, Wem Age Concern Day Centre at Prince William Court, the Welcome to Wem booklet, the Sleepy Cat Rescue and finally funding towards the refurbishment of the old Wem Chamber Commerce and Jubilee Board near the Library.

"Earlier during the Rotary year more than £1,200 was distributed between Hope House and Severn Hospice.

"It has been a very busy and generous year, thank you to all that supported and helped us."

The club is very interested in helping groups, clubs and individuals when they can and would welcome people to join them as members, if interested in helping people in the local community please contact Liz Broomhall on 01939 232573 or email lizbroomhall@icloud.com

Peter Broomhall, a Wem town councillor, is set to take the reins from Mr Howell this year.

The club hosts a number of events each year, including business lunches, speaker evenings and even arranges holidays to places such as Blackpool.

You can find out more about Wem Rotary Club by visiting their website at https://wemrotary.wordpress.com/the-team/ or by heading to Facebook and searching for Rotary Club of Wem and District.