ABERYSTWYTH Lions Club began the new year with yet another huge consignment of books being sent off to new readers around the world.

About one-and-a-half tons of books are ready to be shipped and these are the latest to be sent to third world countries to help in the education of young children.

Elsewhere, just before Christmas, Lion president Gareth Hughes presided over a very successful businesspersons lunch where, following a very entertaining speech from broadcaster Roy Noble MBE, over £5,000 was raised in an auction.

Some of this will be used to provide a specially designed wheelchair for a disabled youth basketball player in Aberystwyth.

Earlier in the month, with the help of students from Coleg Ceredigion, £400 was collected for Children in Need.

The highlight of last year’s Christmas dinner was the badging of Eleri Brown who became the latest person to join the club.

Looking ahead to 1 March, a concert is being organised in the Great Hall, Aberystwyth Arts Centre, featuring among others Sian Cothi, when once again the club will raise funds to help those in need.