THE Mayor of East Lancashire's most rural borough has presented the cash raised during his term of office to three worthy causes.

Ribble Valley's First Citizen for 2022/24 Cllr Mark Hindle put the final touches to his civic year by presenting nearly £7,000 to his chosen charities.

He presented £2,285.93 each to the Ribble Valley Foodbank, Ribble Valley Dementia Alliance and Pendle Dogs in Need.

The Whalley and Painter Wood Conservative raised the funds from a series of events, including a charity ball and Christmas jumper day at the council offices.

A former microbiologist and NHS chief executive, Cllr Hindle moved to Whalley more than a decade ago when he was appointed chief executive of the Calderstones Partnership Foundation Trust.

His chosen charities are close to his heart – two of his grandparents lived with dementia and he is a dog enthusiast, owning two Jack Russell terriers and a Cavalier King Charles spaniel, the latter being a rescue dog.

Cllr Hindle said: “It has been an honour to represent the people of Ribble Valley and I have really enjoyed my mayoral year, particularly getting out and about and meeting people and of course raising money for my chosen charities, each of which does fantastic work in the community.”

The Ribble Valley Foodbank provides emergency food to local people in crisis and is part of a nationwide network of foodbanks run by The Trussell Trust.

The Ribble Valley Dementia Action Alliance offers people living with dementia and their families a 'one-stop shop' for signposting and information and organises gatherings three or four times a year, where people can support each other.

Pendle Dogs in Need places rescue dogs in foster homes for assessment before permanent adoption.