THE Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen has met leaders and volunteers from two well-known charities.

Mr Houchen visited a law firm in Stockton, where he met representatives from the Homeless Café in Middlesbrough, and the JPC Community Farm near Stokesley.

He also met with consultant solicitor, Joanne Clark, who has supported, and given advice to both charities from a business she set up in April 2017.

Mr Houchen said: “What Joanne has achieved in a short period of time is amazing. Starting a business is a daunting task, anyone who’s done it knows how all-encompassing it can be, so to see Joanne also be so dedicated to supporting local charities and other businesses is fantastic.”

Ms Clark added: “I’ve always been passionate about helping charities and I was determined to continue helping as much as I could while getting the business off the ground.

"Luckily my team is equally as passionate.

"It was really great to be able have Ben along to meet some of the volunteers from the charities we support and I know his support for our charity night is very much appreciated.”

A further charity day will take place on Thursday, April 4 at the Dormans Club on Oxford Road in Middlesbrough.

The event from 6pm to 9pm, will include more than 20 stalls, and tickets are £2 each.