WELL known Lydney sportsman Hugh Aldridge has been elected as president of Lydney Hockey Club. He succeeds the late 'Dit' Thomas, who died recently, aged 97.

Hugh, chief executive officer of the Severn Vale Housing Society, based in Tewkesbury, has had a long association with hockey in Lydney.

Following in the footsteps of his father, the late Ron Aldridge – who played for Lydney in the 1940s and 50s and was also club captain – Hugh began his Lydney career in 1973. He played regularly throughout the 80s and 90s and was club captain and also chairman. He occasionally plays in veterans' matches and is also a club umpire.

Hockey has been a family affair. Hugh's wife, Lorraine, played for the ladies' team and has also been club treasurer. Daughter Jenny also played before moving away, and son Christopher is the club's captain this season.

A club spokesman said: Hugh is a Lydney man and a hockey man and a very popular choice as our new president. We are sure he will do a fantastic job."