MEMBERS of the North East Lancashire branch of the Ramblers' Association welcomed a new chairman at their annual meeting.

Bill Clegg officially took over the role from retiring chairman John Allen at yesterday's meeting at Clayton-le-Moors Civic Centre in Pickup Street.

Branch president and Burnley MP Peter Pike spoke at the meeting along with secretary Sue Baxendale.

The secretary opened the event with a call for more volunteers to come forward and help the organisation with its work.

A statement of the annual accounts and the work carried out by the branch was also read out.

Mr Pike is pictured thanking Mr Allen, watched by Mr Clegg and Sue Baxendale.

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