A NEW president has been elected for the Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce at its annual general meeting.

The previous senior vice-president, Andrew Knowles, has stepped into his new shoes as chamber president for 2017.

The AGM was held this evening at Weymouth College. 

Discussing the accounts for the year ended December 31 2016, treasurer of the chamber Mike House said that 2016 was a "challenging year" for a number of reasons, finances being one of them.

He also said it had been unfortunate that membership numbers dropped from 140 in 2015 to 90 in 2016 and the monthly business breakfasts also saw a drop in numbers.

However the February business breakfast at Hix Academy saw in excess of 60 people and the chamber is hoping to see that become a more regular pattern in 2017. 

Previous chamber president Julie Cleaver officially handed the reins over to the new president.

Andrew said: "This year marks the beginning of the 99th year of the Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce. As Mike said, 2016 was a challenging year. 

"I want to thank all members for their volunteer work over the year. There wouldn't be a chamber if local businesses didn't get involved in what we do."

Andrew also gave a special thanks to those who would be leaving the chamber including David Morphew, Nigel Reed, Shenis Cant and Steve Davies.

He also thanked Albert Goodman, Pengillys and Guy Bridge for the continued support. 

Andrew added: "I would especially like to thank Nigel Reed. He has been a president for four years which is a record in the chamber's history."

"I would also like to thank Michelle Hind for her service to the chamber. In 2015 she chose to wear this badge, no one else was willing to take on the role. A year later she did it again. None of us doubt her commitment to the chamber."

Andrew also spoke of the chamber's aims for 2017 - to continue support local businesses and help bring jobs and prosperity to the borough.

Butterflies Children's Disability Fund was also chosen as the chamber's charity of the year, with £100 donated at the AGM as a positive starting point. The charity is one close to the heart of Andrew.