Driving instructor Martin Ruddle, of Calne, is preparing to oversee the work of more than 1,000 members of the Lions Club International after being made district governor for the coming year.

Mr Ruddle, 72, was delighted at being made responsible for 105W District, which runs from Aberystwyth to Swindon and Gloucestershire, incorporating 57 branches.

He said: “It is an honour to be made district governor and luckily I was not up against anyone else. I was asked if I wanted to put myself forward and nobody else did, so I got it.

“The other club members were very pleased for me.”

The grandfather-of-four, who was born in Stockley, joined the newly-formed Calne Lions Club in 1972 and has made his way up the ranks over 37 years.

He said: “I joined because I have always admired the work they do. Basically we say if you have done well out of life and have time to help others then why not join?”

He has been president of the Calne club three times and held various other posts such as welfare and activities officers.

Before taking his new role, Mr Ruddle was zone chairman overseeing the work of five clubs. He then became the vice district governor and attended a course in Indianapolis to learn about the position.

“There were clubs from all nations of the world present,” he said. “And 750 district governor electors like me.”

“We were addressed by Colin Powell (former US Secretary of State) and the Beach Boys entertained us.”

Mr Ruddle is the first member of the Calne group to be made district governor in more than a decade and is pleased that the role is being retained in Wiltshire.

“Last year’s district governor was from Chippenham,” he said. “It is a big thing for a club. I will have to visit all 57 clubs in the district this year to see how they are getting on.

“It will be a very busy year and the Calne group knows I will not be able to commit myself as much as usual.”

Calne branch was set up in 1972 and raises thousands of pounds each year through the annual duck race. Lions Clubs International has 1.31 million members, in 205 countries.