ROSSENDALE'S maverick' Chamber of Commerce president has stood down.

Clive Balchin, who was recently elected chairman of Rossendale and Darwen Conservative group, has been at the helm of the Valley's chamber for the past four years.

The 51-year-old independent financial advisor with James Trickett and Son, based in Rawtenstall, will now take on the vice president role alongside local hairdresser Tony Winder.

Paul Mulderrig, director of Mulderrig's solicitors in Bank Street, Rawtenstall has been appointed as the new president.

Tony, owner of Anthony and Patricia's in Bank Street, paid tribute to Clive, his partner in crime and said: "He is no wall flower.

"He's a guy who can be trusted and can get things done.

"What I admire about him most is that he's a southerner who now thinks like a northerner.

"I am sure Paul will carry on the good work that has been done."

Paul added: "It will be an honour to take a more active role in the Chamber of Commerce and I hope I will be a credit to everyone. I have no idea how I step into the shoes of these two.

"We don't half take our home town for granted. These are exciting times ahead of us."