THE Chippenham Lions Club have shown they have lost none of their roar after being awarded with the Best Club in the District for the second year in a row.

Members of the group were presented with the shield at the District Convention of Lions last month, beating 52 other clubs in the district.

It’s the third time in nine years that the Chippenham club has won the award, having also claimed it last year.

“Shocked was probably a better word than surprised,” said president of Chippenham Lions, Jim Dutch.

“It’s quite an achievement to be the best club in the district and it’s an honour.

“The award is based on a number of factors, not just raising money but the community work that we do, the club website and the service that we give to the area.

“At the end of the day it’s fantastic especially to have done it twice.”

Chippenham Lions, which has been running for 42 years and has 30 members currently, raised almost £29,000 last year through fundraising including the Carol Float Tour, Cherished Vehicle and Farm Fun Day.

“I think what helps us is the Bob Cook Games which is for disabled people, from those who are in a wheelchair, or have learning difficulties, are blind or are amputees,” added Mr Dutch, 61, who has been a member of Chippenham Lions for 23 years.

“It’s not something that we set out to do [win the award], we’re simply a service organisation who have a lot of fun helping people and at the end of the day raise some money and help causes.”