CHARITY leaders have thanked councillor Neil Forbes for his record-breaking support as Knutsford Mayor.

Cllr Forbes raised £12,365 for his chosen charities during his year as the town’s civic leader, a record total for a Knutsford mayor.

Cllr Forbes handed over the mayoral chain to his successor, councillor Peter Coan, at Monday’s mayor-making ceremony.

The total raised by Cllr Forbes will be shared between Mid Cheshire Riding for the Disabled, Knutsford Youth Orchestra and Knutsford Friendship Café.

Cllr Forbes hosted three ‘Eat, drink and be merry’ dinners at Pastiche, Brasserie Blanc and Giovanni’s.

In August guests enjoyed an afternoon tea and tour of Tabley House, and the Mayor’s annual fun pub quiz at The Angel Hotel saw 150 quizzers battle it out.

The highlight of every Mayor’s year is the Mayor’s Charity Ball, which this year raised £7,400.

Cllr Forbes said: “I am so pleased to have raised so much for our three local good causes.

“All of this would of course have been impossible without the generosity of our local businesses, matched only by that of the people who turned up in good numbers to support the events. Thank you all.”

Jeanette Dixon from Mid Cheshire Riding for the Disabled said: “Mid Cheshire Riding for the Disabled have been extremely grateful to be chosen as one of the Mayor's charities for the past year.

“It costs us nearly £20,000 a year to provide riding activities and so support our riders.

“The funds raised will be used towards the keep of our two ponies, Ted and Pip - without them we could not continue our work. We provide riding for 94 disabled people each week.”

Kath Small from Knutsford Youth Orchestra said: “This donation will help us to arrange for professional musicians from orchestras to provide workshops to our children and help promote their knowledge.

“It will give every child from KYO the chance to go and hear a professional orchestra/group. We will be able to purchase three trombones and provide lessons to children who may not otherwise have learned an instrument.

“We will also use it to offer free places in KYO to children who show musical potential.”

Paula Lambe and Eve James from Knutsford Friendship Café said: "We are extremely grateful to have been one of Mayor Neil Forbes' three chosen charities over the last year and would like to thank everyone who has participated in whatever way towards the fundraising.

“The money will go towards trips out for those who come to the café, increasing the number of café sessions held each month and continuing the music therapy, which is so much enjoyed.

“We will also invest in musical instruments as well as new games and activities.”