DARLINGTON’S mayor has distributed cheques to the organsations to benefit from funds raised during his year of office as he prepares to hand over the reins.

Councillor Charles Johnson and mayoress Carol Johnson hosted a reception at the Dolphin Centre, on Friday (April 25) evening, at which cheques for more than £13,500 were handed out.

Coun Johnson thanked the individuals and organisations that have supported his mayoral year.

Among the Darlington causes to receive funding were the local branch of the Royal British Legion, Friends of South Park, the Bridge Centre, Darlington Town Mission, Family Help, Hummersknott Badminton Club and Darlington Talking Newspaper.

Heritage and taking pride in Darlington were the themes of Coun Johnson’s time as mayor.

He added: “We have taken these chains far and wide during our visits to other mayors in the North who have in turn visited Darlington.

“We have made many friends as we came together so I thank the Northern ‘chain gang’ for their help and assistance.”

Coun Johnson finished by thanking his wife for her support and added: “If Darlington has emerged from our year a better known place, then we did a proper job.”