A RECORD sum of £7,000 was raised during the Mayor of Sedgefield's year of office.

At the beginning of her term, Councillor Maxine Robinson appealed to all organisations in Sedgefield to take part in the fundraising effort.

She said: "The aim was to bring the community closer together, extend membership of the groups, strengthen organisations and interest others in becoming involved in the community.

"So many groups have come together over the year and risen to the challenge.

"It has been absolutely wonderful and the fantastic sum of almost £7,000 could not have been achieved without the whole village pulling together."

The Butterwick Hospice and their day centre at Sedgefield Community Hospital will receive £4,000 from the charit. Other organisations which benefited included local Scouts, Guides, Civic Trust, and the Neighbourhood and Crime Watch Panel.