TRIBUTE was paid to the retiring secretary of the North West Craven Branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society.

Keith Bradshaw has held the post for 19 years and stepped down at the annual meeting.

Chairman Trevor Clarke thanked him for his efforts, along with the committee and all who had supported the branch throughout the year.

The new secretary is Roger Dearden and Nita Hart was re-elected as treasurer.

Membership has increased and, as well as dances, several workshops for beginners and improvers had been held as well as one for advanced dancers.

The website and database were up to date and closer contacts with neighbouring branches had been maintained. Five candidates had become official Scottish country dance teachers due to the expert tuition of Maureen Haynes.

The 12 committee members were re-elected and several members volunteered to be the support committee.

After the meeting, vice chairman Robert Rushton announced that £1,102 had been raised for charity from several dances and a further £611 from a special charity dance for a retiring member.

Classes in many communities, including Ingleton and Settle, will resume in September.