A YORK-BASED accountant has become the youngest-ever holder of a prestigious position within the profession at the age of 34.

David Walker, of Botting & Co Ltd, based at Clifton Moor, York, has taken over from Deian Tecwyn (PwC, Leeds) as president of the West Yorkshire Society of Chartered Accountants.

The society draws its membership from chartered accountants working not only in West Yorkshire, but also in York and North Yorkshire.

David said he was looking forward to his year as president and hoped to encourage more young accountants to become involved in events and shape the way the society develops.

In particular he feels that it is important to publicise the variety of career options open to those who train as chartered accountants.

David trained at Botting & Co from 1991 to 1995 and became a director in January 2000.

He has been closely involved with the Institute of Chartered Accountants for some time. He was president of York Chartered Accountants' Student Society in 1997-98, then secretary (1998-2001), before becoming president of the York Society of Chartered Accountants (2001-2002).

In 2001 he was co-opted to serve on the institute's council on behalf of the West Yorkshire Society of Chartered Accountants, and has also been involved with the main Institute through his membership of the General Practitioner Panel and the Special Interest Group for Charities and the Voluntary Sector.

Locally he is a member of The Guild of Scriveners of the City of York, treasurer/director of the Abbeyfield York Society Ltd, treasurer of Dunnington & Grimston Sports Club, and treasurer of Dunnington Cricket Club.

His spare time includes cricket and football interests - David is a qualified football referee and cricket umpire.

Updated: 09:37 Tuesday, June 17, 2003