UPTON Tourism and Trade Association altered its constitution in a bid to make it easier for people with valuable skills to be elected as officers.

At an extraordinary meeting last week, a vote was passed to remove a clause stating that members must have served on the committee for at least 12 months before being eligible to stand for officer roles.

Outgoing chairman Peter Webb, who stood down during the meeting, said he felt the clause may have prevented some talented and knowledgeable people, otherwise qualified, from standing for election.

Several new committee members were also elected during the meeting.

They are Lorraine King, from King’s Studio; Tina Hill, from the Writing Box; Annette Keyworth, from Value for Money; Annie Potts, from The Emporium; Mandy Smith, from Pepperpot Flowers; Brenda Till, from the Launderette and Simon Speers, an Upton Town councillor and local businessman.

A vote of thanks was recorded for Mr Webb’s efforts during his seven years as chairman.