ONE of the founding members of Ryedale Lions Club - and its first president 50 years ago - has taken up the reins as president again.

Retired solicitor Brian Potter completes a unique hat-trick for the Lions, having served three terms as its leader - first in 1967 when the club was formed, again on its 25th anniversary in 1992 and returning for a third term now as the club marks its 50th birthday.

“I am very proud to be appointed again, but even prouder to have seen the Ryedale Lions Club going from strength to strength over

such a long time and helped so many people in need along the way,” said Brian, who lives in Kirkbymoorside.

The club was first formed with 27 members and today is thriving with a membership of more than 40, drawn from an area around Pickering, Kirkbymoorside and Helmsley.

Brian is one of two remaining members from the original club, alongside retired teacher Ray Cordery, from Pickering.

Earliest records of the Ryedale Lions show that among the first fundraising activities was £70 to buy a patient hoist for the former Adela Shaw children’s orthopaedic hospital in Kirkbymoorside, and the delivery of more than 100 sacks of firewood to the elderly.

Since then the Lions have raised the equivalent of more than £1m in today’s money, primarily to help needy individuals and local good causes.

“The world is a very different place to when we first began the Ryedale Lions Club,” Brian said.

“Nevertheless, there are still those in need, often through no fault of their own, and the club continues to have a role in helping them, working with other voluntary organisations and supported by the generous donations of local people.”