THE former mayor and mayoress of Darlington raised £21,000 for their chosen charities.

Cllr Tom Nutt and his wife Gill were in office in 2015 and hosted a series of fundraising events throughout the year.

Activities included a Eurovision-style singing contest that saw 23 schools compete, a 22-mile sponsored walk along the old Darlington to Stockton railway line, a garden party and a sell-out Mayor’s Ball.

Cllr Nutt said: “It was a brilliant year and we are delighted that so many people supported us with our fundraising.

“We were pleased to have the opportunity to raise so much money because the charities do such a great job for our townsfolk.”

The money will be distributed to a number of charitable causes including Macmillan Cancer care, Marie Curie and local foodbanks.

Since stepping down as mayor, Cllr Nutt has continued his work in the Whinfield ward and as chairman of the Darlington Town Twinning and International Association.