ROGER Stephenson made a spectacular start to life as President of Rotary Club of Kinver.

Within days of taking charge, Kinver was voted the best kept village in South Staffordshire.

The Rotary Club played a key part in this success, particularly through past president Nick Geoghagan.

Spokesman Mike Deathridge said: "It's the second time in three years that Kinver has won this award and we were highly commended in the year between.

"Much of that is due to Nick and his wife Denise who provided many of the hanging baskets. They also went around watering many of the baskets on behalf of the traders.

"They were also responsible for helping to organise Sunday morning working parties to sweep the gutters along the High Street."

Stourton based Roger Stephenson, who is 59, has a tough act to follow.

He joined the Brierley Hill club in 1988 and chaired various committees before becoming the club's president.

He transferred to Kinver after Brierley Hill folded four years ago.

Born and bred in the Kinver area, Mr Stephenson attended Brierley Hill Grammar School and then University College Cardiff before entering into accountancy, where he has worked for various firms, both in industry and the NHS.