Sometimes, just sometimes, the cream will rise to the top and the appointment of Ashvin Patel as chairman of Arun District Council is one of these occasions.

Mr Patel, a quiet unassuming man, has worked, together with his wife Kay, tirelessly for the community for the past ten years.

This honour will come as no surprise to those who know him well. His hands-on approach over the years to matters within the community will stand him in good stead during the coming 12 months.

And if that's not all, Mr and Mrs Patel annually present an excellent curry lunch. We would hate to think that the extra workload would prevent them from keeping this commitment in the coming year - we're sure there will be many volunteers to help with the prep.

  • Nickie and Terry Williams, Elbridge Crescent, Aldwick