BOLTON'S retiring Mayor Cllr Alan Rushton celebrated a successful year's fund-raising - to the tune of £20,000!

The busy Mayor and Mayoress shared the rewards of the hard work put in by themselves and the

Charity Committee with 28 local organisations.

And at a special presentation in the Mayor's Parlour, representatives each received a welcome cheque to aid their work.

"Carers and Caring" was the theme of the Mayor's Charity, and among the recipients of funds were Bolton Carers' Support Project, Bolton Hospice, Macmillan Nurses, Shopmobility, Bolton Newstalk, the Children's Opportunity Group and Age Concern. Cheques also went to Combined Ex-Services, Smithills Band, Bolton Music Centre, Jubilee Centre, Multiple Sclerosis, Bolton Parish Church, Bolton MLDSC, GM Fire Alarm Appeal, Beacon Counselling, Bolton, Leigh and District Deaf Society, Salvation Army, Parkinson's Disease Society, Bolton Cardiac Support, Bolton Scout Trust, Taxi Drivers' Children's Outing, Community Transport, British Red Cross, St John Ambulance, Vision Aid, Bolton ATC, Farnworth MENCAP, the Children's Society and Imperial Cancer Research.

Commented Cllr Rushton, who now becomes Deputy Mayor: "It's been a truly outstanding year for Audrey and me. We've had some of the best and most rewarding times of our lives during the last 12 months.

"It's made us appreciate just how much work must go into organising these events, and how dedicated people must be, particularly when it comes to putting together a charity fundraiser." He added that the generosity of local companies, organisations and individuals had "never ceased to amaze me." He passed on his thanks to everyone who had helped in any way, and Town Hall staff who had been so supportive over the year.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.