A councillor has concluded his mayoral year by giving a helping hand to a pair of Whitehill & Bordon charities.

A Mayoral Event held by Whitehill Town Council in aid of Butterflies Bereavement Support and Bordon Foodbank raised £1,860.

The proceeds, swelled by a £480 donation by Taylor Wimpey, were shared between the mayor’s charities with Cllr James Fryer thanking well-wishers for their donations and support during his year in office.

He said: “I would like to thank all of W&B for their support during my term, especially during my ill health last year.

“This town is one of the best for diversity and the way we work and play together regardless of age, gender and race should set an example across the United Kingdom.”

The money was raised via stalls and donations from the public and Sacred Heart Church, while a host of local businesses and sponsors provided raffle prizes.

The council also wanted to thank the Forest Community Centre for hosting the event, Mike Watson Transport for providing the stage, and W&B Town Partnership Trustees who ensured it ran smoothly.

“It was wonderful to be part of the Mayor's event and to bring our group to a wider number of people,” said Julie Lamont of Butterflies Bereavement Support, which holds twice monthly Tuesday morning bereavement drop-in meetings at the Forest Community Centre.

“The support of the mayor was a great honour and for him to choose our charity was a surprise and a brave thing to do.”

Heather Ford from Bordon Foodbank said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have received £930 as one of the chosen Mayors charities.

“With funds running low, we were genuinely concerned about making it through to the end of the year – this generous support has not only eased those worries but also given us a much-needed boost.”