GEORGE Garland, the new president of Skipton Craven Rotary Club, celebrated the start of his year in office with a splash, holding a canal cruise dinner for fellow Rotarians, their partners and guests.

George is a well known figure in the area and has held a number of education positions. He has served the club in various roles and has a keen interest in raising money for ShelterBoxes through local schools and supporting the education of African orphans.

George's first Rotary fundraising event was held with Skipton Golf Club and was a barbecue, which raised £1,134.

The money will be split between his charity, the Children's Heart Unit at Leeds General Infirmary, and the Skipton Golf Club's Ladies Captain Sophie Eddison's charity, the Neo Natal unit at Airedale General Hospital.