A FAMILIAR face has returned to the role of chairman of Worcestershire Ambassadors.

The Worcestershire Ambassadors is a membership organisation drawn from senior positions in local commerce and the community, sharing a common enthusiasm to create a county to be proud of, through events, networking and sponsorship of community events.

Phil Dutton has returned to the role of chairman, the first to be chairman of the Ambassadors twice, having previously been chairman between 2011 and 2012.

Mr Dutton said: “I returned in rather unfortunate circumstances.

"Derek Fradgely was due to succeed Vince Hopkins as chair in 2018 but sadly lost a brief battle against cancer last year.

"Primarily I see my role this year is providing the foundations for the future of the Ambassadors by establishing an operating structure that will not only support the next chair following myself, but encourage future directors to step forward and chair the Ambassadors.”

Mr Dutton's return comes at the same time that Tracey Hopkins has been appointed as membership executive, and there has been a significant investment in a new look website.

Mr Dutton added: "We now have the ability to accept applications for sponsorship and membership online. It also provides us with full event management capability including the ability to create electronic flyers accept bookings across the internet, provide automated updates and accept payments.

"It is important that we continue to raise the profile of the county as well as the Ambassadors, and have fun doing it.”

Among this year's activities, the Ambassadors will this year be supporting St Richard's Hospice's Worcester Stands Tall art concept.

For more on the Worcestershire Ambassadors visit worcestershireambassadors.com.