A FORMER Pembrokeshire resident is ready to drive the National Association of Round Tables of Great Britain and Ireland to new heights after being installed as president.

Marcus Jones, who grew up in Tenby and Milford Haven, took office at the organisation's National Conference, which was held in Aviemore last weekend.

Marcus, who now lives in Nottingham and joined Beeston Round Table in 2007, is championing growth in membership along with raising awareness of the association, which boasts more than 400 clubs across the country.

Round Table, which celebrates its 90th anniversary in 2017, is one of the largest voluntary and social organisations for men aged 18-45 and contributes significantly to communities.

"The landscape of Round Table is changing and we are on a journey of new discoveries and opportunities," said 44-year-old Marcus, who is head of business at a Land Rover dealership in the Midlands city.

"The association has endured challenges in recent years, I have never been so optimistic for the association and its members and that optimism is running through our veins our members.

"We play major part in our communities, raising many millions of pounds and delivering large scale events that enhance our communities.

"Now it is about growth and telling the wider world what we do and encouraging the young men of Great Britain and Ireland to discover Round Table and see what it can do for them.

"I have benefited enormously from being in Round Table, as has every member. We have developed skills we never had before joining, as well making friendships that will last a lifetime. I want every young man in the country to grasp the same opportunity.

"This I going to be an exciting and hard-working year for the association, as we look to establish key partnerships that will enable us to achieve our aims and create new benefits for the members.

"I am immensely proud to be president of Round Table and look forward to making this a great year for the members at the start of a new three year plan."