PETER Atkinson of Dart Totnes, the WERA's most prolific veteran sculler, has been elected president of the association for a record breaking third time.

Atkinson accepted the chain of office at the association's annual meeting at Dart Totnes RC from Paignton's Jane Perry who has held the office for the past 12 months.

In accepting the presidency he said, "Firstly I must thank Jane Perry for the excellent job she has done over the past 12 months. She has put heart and soul into the position."

"I would like to thank my club for allowing me to take this honour on their behalf. However, I must apologise in advance if some events clash with my sculling activities, but I will attend as many events as I possibly can."

Atkinson has had a season second to none in the West of England when it comes to veteran sculling and rowing. He has won 15 gold medals at FISA World Masters Championships ; 19 golds, one silver and one bronze at the National Veterans' Championship; nine golds at the Henley Veterans' Regatta; gold at the British Indoor Championships; and numerous events up and down the country.

Atkinson was previously president in 1985 representing Paignton and in 1997 representing Dart Totnes. No one has held the office three times before. He will continue as secretary for the Head of the Dart, Totnes and Bridgetown Royal Regatta and the Totnes Mini Head.

Reports at the meeting were received from the secretary, treasurer and Atkinson as registration secretary. In his report Atkinson said the number of registered rowers and scullers stood at 1046.

Two changes were made to the association rules.

Championship points revert to three for first, two for second and one for third as opposed to six, two one.

The boys and girls U14 single sculls now attain championship status.

Officers elected were: president – Peter Atkinson (Dart Totnes); vice-president – David Godfrey (Bideford Reds); secretary – Bob Board (Exmouth); chairman – Ray Mallett (Exmouth); treasurer – Alastair Barr (Castle Dore); registration secretary – Peter Atkinson (Dart Totnes); PRO – David Godfrey (Bideford Reds); honorary solicitor – Tony Prowse (Dartmouth); examiner of accounts – S R Bennett FC.