LAST year’s civic leader Cllr Peter Coan is ‘over the moon’ with his record-breaking total for good causes.

Cllr Coan raised £15,000 during his 12 months as Knutsford Mayor for his chosen charities; Knutsford Heritage Centre, Friends of the Moor, Knutsford Community First Responder Trust and The Welcome.

He said: “It was a very hard year to fundraise, with me having no corporate background and match funding as in previous years.

“It was all down to the kindness of local folk, who turned out in droves to support my events, and penny by penny the pot grew.

“At the end of the year it was humbling how much support there had been in our town, and I was over the moon when we topped a record £15,000.

“The four charities will each benefit equally and have assured me the money will be well spent.

“It was lovely to see so many well-wishers at the recent mayor- making ceremony, attending to thank me for my year.

“I hope in the current mayoral year we can build on that success, and from the bottom of my heart thank you to all those who so kindly helped in making it an outstanding year.”

Sarah Riley, manager of The Welcome said: “We are incredibly thankful to the Mayor and everyone who has supported his fundraising efforts this year. What an amazing total raised!

“As a small local charity our finances are very tight, and this funding will enable us to buy new equipment for our groups, hold a celebration to thank our incredible volunteers and improve the facilities in the cafe.”

Sal Thompson, chairman Knutsford Community First Responder Trust said: “The Trust is delighted to have been one of the recipients of the Mayor’s charity fundraising over the last year.

“The money received will be spent on providing Automated External Defibrillators in Knutsford, helping to make the community a safer place to live. Many thanks to Councillor Coan and all who supported his many events.”

Val Bryant from Knutsford Heritage Centre said: “The centre is very grateful to Cllr Coan for his fundraising cheque to the centre, which will go towards a new energy-efficient heating system, which will keep the centre warm in the cold winter months.”

Adam Keppel-Green from Friends of the Moor said: “Friends of the Moor is amazed at the fantastic efforts of Cllr Coan over his year as Mayor and incredibly grateful for his support.

“The Friends have a number of potential projects these funds could go towards, from additional seating, planting more flowers and trees and a trim trail.”

Cllr Coan hosted a series of evening fundraising events, including a summer barbecue, a gin tasting at Dexter and Jones and Come Dine with the Mayor events at Gusto, Brasserie Blanc and Giovanni’s.

In April Fryer’s Garden Centre hosted an afternoon tea and gardening talk by Sam Youd.

In December the Mayor ran a ‘Win Christmas’ raffle stall and one lucky winner walked away with 120 prizes from the stalls on the market.

He also hosted a Christmas at Tatton tour of Tatton Mansion followed by a festive lunch.

The Mayor’s annual Fun Pub Quiz was held at The Angel Hotel, where 100 quizzers in 15 teams battled it out to ‘beat the Mayor.’

The Mayor’s charity ball was a glittering affair at The Courthouse.

With entertainment sponsored by Fisher German, guests were treated to magic from Carl Royle before a three-course dinner prepared by executive chef Steven Tuke, after which guests hit the dancefloor.

Alex the Singer performed during the meal and got the dancing going with some favourites from the 60s on.

With more than 100 prizes on offer, donated by local businesses, the evening started with a bang as guests popped helium balloons, inside which were vouchers for nights out at restaurants, theatres and the cinema.

The first prize winner of the raffle was treated to dinner, bed and breakfast at the Rose and Crown, while the silent auction included a Bentley factory tour, a Land Rover Experience and a Knutsford picture donated by Vermilion.

There was also a tombola with an array of prizes. Added to that was the generosity of the numerous table sponsors from local businesses, which culminated in £8,800 being raised on the evening.