The ex-Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen has presented more than £9,300 to local charities.

Cllr Parwaiz Akhtar Mayor’s appeal throughout the past year collected a total of £9,313.35 which will be split between three charities.

East Lancashire Hospice, ELHT&Me – the official charity for the East Lancashire Hospitals Trust - and Nightsafe were each presented with £3,104.45 at a special ceremony at Blackburn Town Hall.

Cllr Parwaiz Akhtar and wife Shagufta were joined by representatives from all three charities at the presentation in the Mayor’s parlour.

The ex-Mayor and Mayoress invited the charities to the Town Hall

Cllr Akhtar said: “I chose the three charities as they do some wonderful work in the borough and reach out to people from across all communities.

“We hope the money raised will help all three charities continue their valuable work. I would like to thank everyone who donated.

“I enjoyed my year as mayor and particularly enjoyed helping to raise the profile of community causes.

“As a family, we would like to thank everyone for their best wishes and for their support. We were touched by the messages we received and the brilliant work groups do to help make the borough a better place to live.”