FORMER taxi boss Tony Williams has become the head of a historic charitable organisation.

Mr Williams has been invested as Chief Ranger of Honorary Court Highclere No. 1 Weymouth of the Ancient Order of Foresters. He took over from Hugh Chalker.

The new Chief Ranger and his wife Christine welcomed Mayor and Mayoress of Weymouth and Portland Ray Banham and Pam Nixon to the annual dinner at Weymouth Golf Club.

During the dinner, the ‘brethren’ rose to toast the memory of founder Pelly Hooper, town clerk of Weymouth and Melcombe Regis who started the group in 1887.

Mr Williams, who served on Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships, ran Weytax Radio Cabs for 18 years. He still works part-time as a driver.

A talented musician, Mr Williams played in a band before becoming a solo singer.

He is now the organist at Chesil Masonic Lodge on Portland.

His chosen charity for his year is the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

Mr Williams said: “They do such good work and, spending so much time on the roads, I may need them myself one day.”

He added: “I’m really proud to be leading an altruistic organisation with so much history – one of the oldest in Weymouth.”

Robin Barrett becomes Sub Chief Ranger and takes over the presidency next year.

Munro Ross, formerly general manager of the Crown Hotel, has been the Court’s Secretary since 1996 and the Treasurer is Tom Savage.

Among the brethren, as members are known, are two past mayors, Peter Rendall and Roy Gainey, who is also the longest serving member, having joined in April 1974.

The Honorary Court, which meets at Pilgrim House in Hope Square, raises funds for local charities. Enquiries about joining can be made to Secretary Munro Ross on 01305 784320.