Spencer Lane has stood down as chairman of the Ledbury and Stromstad Twinning Group after almost five years in the position.

He announced his decision at a group meeting in the Market House, saying new energy was required to drive the twinning arrangement forward.

Mr Lane, a former mayor of Ledbury, paid special tribute to Ledbury Town Council for its support and welcomed the appointment of Sue Williams as the new chairman, and town councillor Phil Bettington as vice-chairman.

Mr Lane said: "A new chairperson and vice-chair will provide new emphasis, new connections and a new focus. Different events will be happening in 2004, to which they can lend their energies and ideas."

These include another visit by the Ledbury Swifts to Stromstad this summer, to play in the Roberts Cup, greater contact and mutual support between the tourist information centres of Ledbury and Stromstad and a visit by the John Masefield High School Jazz Band to the Swedish town, also this summer.

A party of 24 from the school will be flying out and an itinerary is in the process of being drawn up.

The twinning group heard that businessman Adam Munthe has offered the Much Marcle manor house of Hellens as a venue for a jazz band concert, which could raise funds towards the trip.

Mr Munthe has already allocated £1,000 for cultural exchanges between Ledbury and Sweden.

In accepting the chair, Mrs Williams paid tribute to Mr Lane's record and commitment, and added: "The group will continue its emphasis on enjoyment."

There would be more social functions to raise the group's profile and an attempt to boost membership, she added.