CHARITIES in the town have received a boost of almost £60,000 from former mayor Faisal Rashid.

Warrington South MP Mr Rashid officially distributed the funds to his selected mayoral charities at the Town Hall last Monday.

Warrington Disability Partnership, the Peace Centre, Brainwave and St Rocco's Hospice received £10,000 each, while Warrington Foodbank, Room at the Inn, Refuge UK and Warrington Charities Trust received just over £4,000 each.

Mr Rashid's record-breaking fundraising haul was achieved through a range of events held throughout his term in office, including a charity ball, multi-cultural evening and the Warrington's Got Talent competition.

Representatives from the charities met the Labour politician to receive their cheques.

Mr Rashid said: "I had an incredibly successful fundraising year and it's all thanks to the generosity shown by the people of Warrington, as well as local businesses, who worked closely with me through The Circle initiative.

"Their support will really benefit these fantastic charities who are working so hard to change people's lives.

"It was always my ambition to raise as much money as possible and I'm delighted that through a range of fundraising initiatives – including some brand new mayoral events – we were able to achieve so much."