MIKE Ellis, the outgoing chairman of Skipton Building Society, received praise for his leadership during his six-year-long tenure at the society's 164th annual meeting last night.

He has been succeeded by Robert East who was among those re-elected or elected to the board with the backing of more than 95 per cent of voters.

Nearly 99 per cent also voted in favour of the annual report and accounts and more than 89 per cent in favour of the directors’ remuneration report.

In total 69,810 members voted, compared to 69,928 voting last year. And around 55 members attended the event, which took place at Skipton’s head office in the town.

Group chief executive David Cutter said: "It’s always pleasing to see so many of our members taking the time to have a say in their society, and to hear about all the things we’re doing to ensure we’re continuing to build a better society for them.

"It’s been this way for 164 years, and is what differentiates us from the banks.

“Our AGM also saw the retirement of our chairman Mike Ellis, who has served the society for six years. During that time, Mike has provided outstanding leadership to the Board and overseen a significant improvement in the society’s performance.

“And as well as welcoming our new chairman Robert East this year our event was held in our new atrium, a large new multi-purpose space that not only cements our commitment to the market town we’ve called home for the past 164 years – but we will also significantly reduce the amount we pay for external meeting spaces and the hiring of specialist equipment.

“As a mutual business, owned by our members, our AGM is the highlight of each year. And once again, we are pleased to see such overwhelming support for all of the resolutions tabled.”