AIREBOROUGH Rotary celebrated its 62nd anniversary by forming links with a university and by giving an award to a school for its work in Africa.

The club made the Paul Harris Award to David Geldart and Cath Chattoe, of St Mary's in Menston, for its ground-breaking Bambisanani project in Kwa Zulu, Natal.

During the charter evening, it also made Leeds Trinity University its second corporate member, as part of the club's efforts to widen and increase its membership to improve its ability to support local organisations and individuals.

The university's director of marketing and operations, Liz Somerville, described its development and its striving for excellence. She said the local community is most important to the university, and the links to Rotary will help to enhance that connection.

Rotary district governor, Hazel Haas, praised the Aireborough club for its innovative approaches to Rotary life, whilst at the same time keeping fun as a major element.

Mr Geldart thanked the club for becoming the school’s first partner and for its continued support during a six-year period.

He said almost 100 St Mary’s pupils had benefited from their time in South Africa, raising the aspirations and awareness of Mnyakanya pupils through the yearly young leadership sport programme.

Musical entertainment was provided by Liz Kenwood and Mitzi Whitham.