After more than 15 years of service to our local RSL Roy Westfold was still surprised when he won the ballot.

“It came as a total surprise to be nominated and I had to be talked into accepting,” he said. “I do feel pretty chuffed actually.”

Mr Westfold and his wife Coral have spent 26 years living in Walcha. Mr Westfold was initially given a free 12 month membership to the local club when he returned from Vietnam in 1970.

Glen Innes RSL sub-branch president Gordon Taylor was elected to the position of District Council President of the Returned Services League for the New England and Jane McCarthy moved from Junior Vice President to Senior Vice President.

“It’s a big honour and a privilege to represent the people of New England,” Mr Taylor told The Glenn Innes Examiner.

“It’s a huge area.”

The New England RSL Council is made of 15 sub-branches and includes Tamworth to Tenterfield and all towns in between, including Walcha, Inverell, Warialda, Bingara and Barraba.

Mr Taylor took on the role following the resignation of longstanding president Sandra Lambkin.

Ms Lambkin, who had recently been elected to the NSW RSL Council, said she was confident the new team would do the region proud.

Mr Westfold will also remain in his current position as Walcha RSL sub-branch president.