THE FORMER Mayor of Christchurch has presented cheques to several local charities.

Last year's mayor Cllr Trish Jamieson handed out cheques on June 15 amounting to nearly £6,500.

The three charities she chose to support during her mayoral year received the money.

Each charity received a cheque for £2,164, which was raised by Cllr Jamieson during her year of office with the help of those at the Cliffhanger Restaurant, Sophisticats Ladies Golf Club and Christchurch Conservative Club.

The Stable Family Homes Trust was one of the charities to receive the money. They provide an environment where people with learning disabilities are supported towards gaining more independence.

CEO at the trust Colin Waters said: “We are incredibly grateful for this donation and the Mayor’s support. Donations like this are what keep us going. I intend to sit down with some of the individuals we support and discuss how to spend this donation in order to best match their varied needs."

The Teenage Cancer Trust also received the money. They provide specialist support, education and care for young people who are battling with cancer.

The third charity to receive the money was Woofability, which is a locally based organisation who train assistance dogs for disabled people in Dorset, Hampshire, Wiltshire, Berkshire and Surrey.

As a means of thanks, representatives from Woofability have offered Cllr Jamieson an opportunity to come and meet and name one of their puppies. Co-founder of Woofability, Andy Clarke said: “We are very grateful for Cllr Jamieson’s support, and this money will help train a dog in order for it to support another local person.”

On the charities, Cllr Jamieson said: “All three of these organisations really make a difference and have a positive impact on the lives of people in our community.

“I am delighted to have been able to raise funds for such good causes, and I would like to thank the charities for all their hard work, compassion and dedication.”