ROTARIANS from around the world are being invited to join their Weymouth counterparts during the Olympics.

The hand of friendship is being offered by the Rotary Club of Weymouth which will offer an ‘open house’ to Rotarians and their friends when the borough welcomes the world this summer.

The club will welcome people to Pilgrim House in Hope Square, the building it took over and is ploughing money into its refurbishment so services can be expanded.

Lunch clubs for the elderly and computer classes are run from there but during the Olympics it will also serve as a meeting point for Rotarians.

A special Olympic reception will be held at Pilgrim House on July 23 to kickstart activities.

New Rotary Club of Weymouth President Mike Parker said: “We will be having an open house for visiting Rotarians from around the UK and the world.

“Pilgrim House will act as a drop-in for people. The location is ideal actually because it’s on the way to the Nothe where the viewing site is.

“We’ve been planning this for almost a year and have had new lapel badges, shirts and banners made up so we’re ready to welcome people and explain about our work locally.”

Mr Parker said invites had gone out to many clubs – including Weymouth, Massachusetts. Apologies and a ‘lovely letter’ was sent in reply of which Mr Parker said he was very grateful.

Rotary is a worldwide network of business and professional people who champion social causes.

There are 34,000 clubs in 200 countries. Weymouth Rotary Club is one of three in the town and is the oldest, having started almost 90 years ago.

Mr Parker, 65, a health and safety consultant, joined the club three years ago. He enjoys the social side, having made many friends, but also enjoys the opportunity of ‘giving something back’ to the community.

He took over the presidency from Roy Bowley at a handover ceremony held at the Riviera Hotel. Presentations were also made during the evening – Darron Garnett received the Rotarian of the Year award and Alan Burt was presented with Rotary’s prestigious Paul Harris award, in recognition of his service.