A BUSINESSMAN who has helped to organise events in Ellesmere Port and Neston has been appointed to lead the national trade association for the funfair industry.

David Wallis was elected president of The Showmen’s Guild of Great Britain at its Central Council meetings in London and will serve in the role for a three-year term.

He has played an active role for many years in events such as Neston Ladies Day and Ellesmere Port Spring Fair, where his family funded a renovation to the car park at Whitby Park.

Mr Wallis said: “It’s an honour to represent my industry at the highest level and I am very grateful for the support of my family and showman colleagues.

“I hope that as well as catering to the needs of Guild’s 4,000 members I can also increase the profile of this safe, affordable form of family entertainment.”

Representing the fifth of seven generations of the Wallis family that have made their living in the fairground business, he spent the earlier part of his life touring Liverpool, Wirral and North Wales.

In his 50-year career as a ride operator he has owned a succession of attractions.

He currently travels with the UK’s only ice-themed mirror maze.