A CANCER charity is more than £23,000 richer thanks to the fundraising efforts of an east Durham council leader.

Each year, the district of Easington authority chairman selects a good cause to receive funds collected through sponsored activities and events.

This week, on the eve of handing over his chain of office to his successor, Councillor Bruce Burn, retiring chairman Councillor Bill Gustard presented a cheque for £23,751 to Macmillan Cancer Relief.

At a handover ceremony in the council offices in Easington, he presented the cheque to Wilma Burniston, a fundraising manager for Macmillan Cancer Relief.

The money was raised at events held throughout the past 12 months and included sponsored walks, charity golf and cricket matches, quiz and race nights, coffee mornings, a sportspersons dinner and an annual civic dinner dance.

Coun Gustard said: "I am delighted to have helped raise so much money for such a worthy cause.

"I would like to thank everyone who has donated money to the chairman's charity appeal and hope that people will support the next chairman in his fundraising efforts."