Devizes Lions’ new president hopes some lionesses may be encouraged to join the club which until now has been an all-male preserve.

Solicitor David Bousfield said: “At the moment we only have men but I want to encourage new members generally, ideally between the ages of 35 and 55 and I hope women will apply.”

Mr Bousfield of Whistley Road, Potterne, was presented with his chain of office by outgoing president Geoff Taylor.

He is a former senior partner of Wansboroughs solicitors and now works for the firm as a consultant. He is keen to raise as much charity money as possible during his year in office.

He said: “We already support a number of charities but we would welcome requests from others.”

Mr Bousfield, who has four grown-up daughters and six grandchildren, said the Lions were pleased in recent years to raise substantial sums to help the Nursteed Centre in Devizes.