A FORMER Hampshire politician is the new president of a top international skiing club.

Michael Woodhall, pictured, who lives at Houghton near Stockbridge has been elected President of the Down Hill Only Ski Club – the second oldest in the world and it is based at Wengen, in Switzerland.

Mr Woodhall said that he’s proud to become president of the club which |was founded in |1925.

“With over 1,600 members it has the benefit of owning a fine clubhouse open throughout the winter season and arranges walking tours in the summer,” said the |retired deputy leader and ex-chairman of Hampshire County Council.

Michael has been travelling from Britain to the ski resort regularly for 45 years.

He added: “Skiing every day in Wengen, Grindelwald and Murren is a unique and spiritual experience second to none.”

Mr Woodhall said that experienced |ski leaders provide daily tours around the many miles of pistes dominated by the magnificent scenery of the Jungfrau and Eiger mountains in the Swiss Alps.