STOURBRIDGE Rotary Club members have been left shocked and saddened at the death of their serving president.

Martyn Hall, the club’s 2015/16 president, died on December 29, aged 70, after a short illness.

It is believed it is the first time in the club’s 94-year history that it has suffered the loss of a presiding president.

A spokesman for the club said: “The thoughts of all the club members are with his widow Sally and her family at this difficult time.”

Originally from Bristol, Mr Hall had a successful career in the European chemical industry before retiring to Stourbridge.

He became an active member of the Rotary Club in 2007 and took on the role of club secretary soon after joining.

In July 2015 he was elected president and since taking office he had led the club in a host of activities and fundraising events which are estimated to have raised around £10,000 for his chosen causes - among which is Dudley's White House Cancer Support charity.

In the wake of Mr Hall's unexpected death - club meetings are being presided over by president elect Rob Franks who said of the devastating news: "It was such a shock. He was such a nice person - always doing his best for others.

"He was a very popular member who took on the role of secretary within a year of joining the club - and he did that very well until he was persuaded to take on the presidency."

Mr Hall's funeral will be held at Stourbridge Crematorium on the afternoon of Friday January 22 but the time of the service has yet to be confirmed.