SNARESBROOK and Wanstead Rotary club celebrated a successful year by electing of a new president and handing out cash to numerous worthy charities.

The annual dinner was held at Chigwell Golf Club, where Parmeet Singh thanked club members, guests and his wife Hema for a memorable year and officially handed over duties to new president Steven Gordon.

Also at the event was Diana Roxburgh from the Redbridge Night Shelter for the homeless, who received £5,000 from the group, raised through many activities, such as the Wanstead Festival, cream teas and raffles.

Ms Roxburgh spoke about the shelter's work and history and also quizzed her guest Lyndon Johnston who found his own accommodation and a job after help from staff.

Vice chair at the Night Shelter Tony Betts said: " We are immensely pleased as the money will be used in order to enhance the work of the Life Skills project, which teaches guest many of the skills that most people take for granted, such as cooking, basic house keeping and how to present yourself in a job interview.

"Unfortunately for a lot of our guests these things don't come naturally."

Wilfred Horton was also installed as President-elect for 2010 and a Rotarian visiting from New Zealand was presented with a club Pennant.

Money was also given to Woodford Methodist Church, Youth Speaks and Musician of the Year.

The club is looking for potential Rotarians. Call David Etherton if you are interested on: 8989 2701.