A BUILDER from South Cerney is the new national president of the Federation of Master Builders.

David Croft's role as president of the construction industry's largest trade association will last for two years.

Mr Croft, 63, hopes to strengthen the FMB's ties with the industry's training body and also with the Health and Safety Executive.

He also wants to improve the public image of the industry.

He said: "The research shows the majority of people get a good job from their builder.

"Unfortunately the media tends to focus on the few rogue traders who damage the reputation of the tens of thousands of decent builders."

Mr Croft runs Nuhomes Construction, and a housing development firm, Centurion (Western), in Swindon.