A COUNCILLOR who spent a year tirelessly fundraising for a charity which provides vital help and support for wounded and sick soldiers has handed over a cheque for £21,000.

Ripon councillor Bernard Bateman selected ABF The Soldiers’ Charity to benefit from his fundraising activities during his term as chairman of North Yorkshire County Council, which ran until May.

He organised social functions, a gala ball, and a concert to fund activities at the Personnel Recovery Unit (PRU) in Cambrai Lines, at Catterick Garrison.

Cllr Bateman said: “I am so glad to have been able to do something in my year of office to help the brave men and women who suffer injuries in the service of their country.

“Their selflessness and bravery deserve all the support we as a community can give.”

The Catterick PRU assists the soldiers in their recovery, either to return to the Army or to civilian life.

It ensures soldiers get the best recovery opportunities through individually tailored personal recovery plans, which are focused on vocational development and welfare issues.

Major Barney Barnbrook, the charity's regional director, said: “We are truly indebted to Bernard Bateman for the extraordinary lengths to which he has gone to raise such a magnificent sum for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity."