A NEW president has taken over the reigns at Chipping Sodbury Lions Club.

Juan Neuvo was officially elected to the top job at a handover event on Friday (July 15) at the Cross Hands Hotel in Old Sodbury.

Juan, a Lion for three years, was voted Lion of the Year in 2014 in recognition of his services to the club.

A town councillor representing the Old Sodbury ward, Juan is an active member having held various offices including chairman of membership, vice-president and a member of the Victorian Day committee.

Taking over, he said he had five main aims for the club – membership, service projects, leadership, communication and projects - with the main priority to maintain and increase membership.

“My main aims are to make the club stronger, both in numbers and work ethic,” he said. “The number one issue for me as president is keeping our membership and not only keeping our membership but to grow and expand it.”

Outgoing president Tony Veal, who helped raised thousands of pounds for good causes during his term of office, thanked all members for their support throughout the year.