TWO Rotarians have been given the highest honour bestowed by the organisation.

Casterbridge President Chris Davies handed the Paul Harris Fellowship to Richard Brind at the club’s president night held at the Wessex Royale Hotel in Dorchester.

But Mr Davies was surprised to find it was then his turn to be handed a Paul Harris Fellowship award by assistant governor Jane Redfern.

The award is the highest honour given to Rotarians, or, occasionally, non-Rotarians, for exemplary service within Rotary and is named after the founder of Rotary.

Mr Davies paid tribute to Mr Brind, and his work to improve the living conditions of villagers in Nepal. Mr Brind was also recently chosen as a Rotary Champion of Change 2017 for his work in the country.

Dorchester mayor Cllr Tim Harries paid tribute to Mr Davies, for his ‘determined and transforming work’ with Dorchester Youth Club.

Diana Apps, of Casterbridge Rotary, said: “The club is indebted to Richard and Chris and is very proud to have two such deserving Rotarians to add to their number of Paul Harris Fellows.”

Mrs Apps added: “The recipients of the awards were Richard Brind, for his many years of work providing water systems to villages in Nepal, and President Chris Davies for his work with Dorchester Youth Club, which has been transformed under his stewardship. It is interesting to note that Richard Brind is also involved in the management of the Youth Club.”

Casterbridge Rotarians enjoyed a touch of culture at the evening, with Mr Davies welcoming his guests in Welsh, which he has been learning for some time. The menu also had a Welsh flavour and, with a Welsh quiz and Welsh music from The Foxglove Duo and a solo rendition of 'Myfanwy' by Colin James.

The Rotary Foundation was formed in 1917 and aims to achieve world understanding and peace through international humanitarian, educational, and cultural exchange programs. It is supported solely by voluntary contributions from Rotarians and friends of the Foundation who share its vision of a better world.

In many countries Paul Harris Fellows are individuals who have contributed more than $1000 to the Annual Program Fund, the Polio Plus Fund or the Humanitarian Grants Program of the Rotary Foundation are recognized as Paul Harris Fellows. In the UK individual Rotary clubs award Paul Harris Fellowships to individuals in recognition for service to the community or to the club.