A FORMER jewellery shop boss has taken the chain of office of a popular local charity.

Ian Fillan, former managing director of Huddersfield town centre jewellers Fillan’s, has taken over as president of Huddersfield Rotary Club.

Along with running a family business Mr Fillan has served locally in the TA and was president of the Huddersfield and District Army Veterans Association.

He has also been a trustee of the TA Centre, the Duke of Wellington’s Museum Trust and chairman of the War Memorial Trust.

The first event of his presidency is the Dragon Boat Race at Pugneys Country Park in Wakefield.

He said: “I am looking forward to seeing the drama and the fun of the competitors who will be raising many thousand pounds for local charities as a great start to my year in office.”

Mr Fillan takes over from Clr Ann Denham.