A CHARITY that supports members of the Armed Forces and their families has received the proceeds from a year of fundraising by a former council chairman and city mayor.

Councillor John Lethbridge held the posts of Chairman at Durham County Council and Mayor of Durham from 2018 to 2019.

His time in the role coincided with the centenary of the end of the First World War, which inspired him to nominate the Royal British Legion as his official charity for the year.

The former teacher, who represents the Woodhouse Close ward, spent 12 months raising money for the charity and at the most recent meeting of his branch of the Royal British Legion he presented a cheque for more than £17,400.

Cllr Lethbridge organised and took part in a range of fundraising activities throughout the year, including car rallies, fetes and charity evenings and completed an impressive 16,000ft sponsored skydive.

He said: “I’d like to extend my warmest thanks to everyone who donated to my charity appeal, no matter how much they gave, from the smallest to the largest donation. Funds will be going to the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal, which will help members of the Armed Forces, veterans and families."