A YORK club for retired professionals has chosen a new chairman for the coming year.

Philip Walkden, retiring chairman of Haxby and Wigginton Probus Club, handed the chain of office to incoming chairman Dennis Noble, at the club's monthly business meeting.

The presentation took place at Haxby Methodist Church Hall, where committee members for the 12 months ahead were appointed.

The club recently broke its 21-year tradition of all-male membership and allowed women behind its doors for the first time.

It now boasts nine female members, two of whom have joined the committee.

Mr Walkden said he had enjoyed his year as chairman.

He said: "It was a very exciting year. We had a very full programme of interesting talks, some of them were fascinating."

Members meet on the first Tuesday of the month. On March 2, the club will hear a talk on York's economy, current and future.

For information, phone secretary Gordon Carr on 01904 758431, or Philip Walkden on 01904 750834.

Updated: 08:57 Tuesday, February 10, 2004