A POT of £25,000 raised by the Mayor of Clitheroe over the last 12 months has started to be distributed to community groups and projects across the Ribble Valley.

Coun Kevin Horkin, who was mayor of the town from May 2013, raised the money for the ‘Clitheroe Mayor’s Charity Welfare Fund’.

He opened a charity shop in the centre of the town to drum up funds and also held a series of charity balls throughout his mayoral year.

At a ceremony on Monday night at Clitheroe Town Council, 12 groups and individuals received money from the fund including Ribble Valley Seniors Forum, Clitheroe Youth Forum and Clitheroe Civic Society.

Child Action North West, which is based in Wilpshire, 1st Clitheroe Scout Group and Crossroads Care Ribble Valley also received grants.

Groups have been applying since the spring to receive money from the fund, with more set to be awarded in the coming months.

Coun Horkin, who handed over his mayoral duties to Coun Val Cooper recently, said: “I’m very pleased with how much was raised over the last year.

“I hope that the money will have a real impact in the community.

“I would have liked to have raised more but I still think that the money that is now available will make a real difference.”

Coun Horkin’s year-long fund raising drive totalled £32,000, with £7,000 being kept at the council for other projects.

Mel Diack from Clitheroe Youth Forum, said: “I’m absolutely delighted with the group being given £382.

“The money will go towards our activities such as sailing, quad biking and rock climbing.

“It all goes to help in these days of less funding.

“I’m very grateful for the town council’s support.”

Pauline Wood, chair of Clitheroe Civic Society, said: “We were given £1,000 and I’m really pleased.

“It’s fantastic that we have been given so much money and it’s really good for the group.”

Julia Billington , 40 from Clitheroe, Braille – It, Christians Against Poverty, Life Education Lancashire, Clitheroe United Reformed Church and Roefield Leisure Centre, also had grants.