A STALWART of the city’s fundraising community has been recognised.
David Laker, formerly the head forester at the Goodwood estate, was honoured by the Rotary Club of Chichester.
He was made a Paul Harris Fellow, the highest award a Rotary Club can give, at a special thank you lunch on Tuesday, January 3.
Mr Laker has selected and helped to erect the club’s much-loved Christmas tree for the past 28 years.
This popular tree stands for the Christmas season by the Cross in East Street and is the focal point for festive fundraising.
David was given the honour in recognition of his outstanding service to Rotary and the community.
He said he was very honoured and the pleasure of helping Rotary had been all his.
President of the club, Dick Hammond, thanked everyone who had helped with the collections at the Cross and at Tesco.
The club raised almost £12,000 for local good causes.
Mr Hammond praised the generosity of the people of Chichester.
Rotary International was founded in 1905 by Paul Harris, a Chicago lawyer. Paul Harris Fellowships are awarded in memory of the movement’s founder to honour exceptional service to the community.