Steidl, chairman of London-based paper agent Thameside Group, issued a rallying call for new members to join, in particular more women and younger employees in the paper trade.

For our society to survive and flourish, we must encourage younger members to sign up, he told those gathered.

Steidl also asked for paper trade bosses to be more flexible when it comes to allowing members time off for official engagements.

A former president of the Paper Agents Association, Steidl has spent his working life in the paper industry, starting out in the business in 1968.

He is now in his 36th year with the same company, HH Peggs, the business his father Robert was previously managing director and chairman of until his late sixties.

Previous president Ste-phen Mason of merchant group PaperlinX was presented with his past presidents badge by Steidl, who paid tribute to Masons time in office.

A welcoming introductory speech for Steidl was given by James McNaughton Group and GM2 chief executive Ian George.

After the dinner, a collection for the presidents nominated charity, The Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability, raised 3,480.

The annual dinner was held at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London on 25 February.

Comedian and after dinner speaker Bob The Cat Bevan provided the evenings entertainment.

The Stationers Social Society was formed in 1881, and is always on the lookout for new members, with anyone working in the paper industry eligible to join.

Contact: Anne James 01895 905551

Story by Andy Scott