MAJOR changes to one of Selby’s oldest groups have been made by its new president.

When Ye Fraternitie of Olde Selebians was founded in 1921 to “promote, cultivate and develop the welfare of Selby and its inhabitants” and to “foster its traditions and associations”, its original constitution stated that potential members must have lived in Selby for at least 30 years.

If they had not been born in the town, they must have lived within one-and-a-half miles of Selby Abbey for 40 years.

New president Bryan Wilcockson, 54, said changes had been made to encourage new members to join to help promote and improve the town.

The group has more than 100 members, but is widening the area from which people can apply.

Mr Wilcockson said: “It’s to modernise and take into account modern mobility.

“When the group was first founded, people would live in their home town all their life, but now more and more people become more mobile.

“It used to be restricted to who could apply. They had to be born and bred within the sound of Selby Abbey bells, that sort of thing. But one of the first things I put forward was to change the regulations so that anyone who comes into Selby on a regular basis and is passionate about the town can join if they wish.”

For more details, phone Bernard Middleton on 01757 700558.