A LEADING businessman has expressed his delight at being elected Burnley's new Chamber of Trade president.

Paul Roberts, 58, of Southwood Bottom, Cliviger owns the Cleaver Group -- specialists in meat products and white household goods -- and butchers shops in Burnley, Nelson and Colne.

He was elected to office at Monday night's meeting after two years as treasurer, two years as vice president and has been a member of the chamber for ten years.

His role will require him to represent the needs of the town's traders liaising with the police, council and other agencies depending on what problems and queries are raised.

"It's definitely an honour for me to be appointed as the president for two years," said Mr Roberts.

"I would be expected to attend meetings on behalf of the chamber. Our opinions are quite valued on issues such as changes to the roads and traffic lights and so on."

All professions are represented at the chamber ranging from retailers to solicitors and bankers.

Mr Roberts said he "fell" into his trade 35 years ago taking on an apprenticeship with the late James Starker in Burnley then getting meat trade qualifications at Burnley College.

At 24 he took a giant leap and great risk in leaving his job to start his own business in the town.

"When you're young you don't see the pitfalls," said Mr Roberts.

But over the years he has avoided such things and build up the Cleaver Group empire, of which Pauline, his wife of 32 years, is a co-director.

As well as shops the company has a meat processing factory, which supplies goods to clients ranging from hotels to restaurants and canteens and he describes his 16-year-old Burnley business -- Paul Roberts High Class Butcher on Croft Street -- as a "traditional retail shop."

Mr Roberts added: "I've seen many changes in the meat trade over the years but we've adapted to meet with this and tried keep to the forefront."

He is a member of the Burnley and Pendle Butchers' Association and the National Federation of Meat Traders.

Paul and Pauline have a 26-year-old son Richard who rather than enter the meat trade has a career in the financial sector in London.

Anyone interested in joining the chamber of trade or finding out more should contact Mr Roberts on 01282 698119/698032.