A PAST chairman of Bromsgrove Conservative Association has been chosen as its new president.

Sally Cooper, from Malvern, takes over the role from former Bromsgrove MP, Sir Hal Miller, from Sinton Green, near Worcester, who represented the town at Westminster from 1974 to 1992 and who has stood down as president after three years.

Sir Hal took over at a time when the local association was in turmoil following internal wrangling and had been given "supported status" by staff from Tory head office to help overcome its difficulties.

Mrs Cooper oversaw the selection of Bromsgrove's current MP, Julie Kirkbride, in 1996 - when Roy Thomas decided to stand down.

A party to say thank-you and farewell to Sir Hal, and his wife Jacquie, was held at Bromsgrove Rugby Club, Finstall, on Friday night.

Bromsgrove's MP, Julie Kirkbride, presented him with signed copies of books written by Matthew Parris, a former MP and Times newspaper sketch writer.

Sir Hal and Mr Parris had at one time shared an office in the House of Commons.

Association chairman, Peter Jarrett, from Lydiate Ash, Bromsgrove, said Sir Hal commented that he was delighted with the progress that had been made during his term as president and how he left the association united and happy.

Mr Jarrett, thanking Sir Hal for his efforts wished him well for the future and said he looked forward to meeting him at future association events.

Sir Hal becomes a life vice- president of the association.