THREE Basingstoke charities have been given a major cash boost thanks to a successful year of fundraising by a former borough mayor.

The support of local people saw Councillor David Leeks raise £38,014 through events such as the annual Mayor’s Charity Firework Fiesta, in War Memorial Park, when he served as mayor in 2011-12.

Representatives from his three chosen Mayor’s Appeal charities were invited to the Civic Offices, in London Road, Eastrop, to receive cheques from Cllr Leeks and his wife Amanda.

RadCan, which is raising money to help fund a new radiotherapy centre in north Hampshire, and Basingstoke Samaritans received £13,727 each. The Basingstoke and District Disability Forum received £10,500.

Each charity received an additional boost of up to £4,000, thanks to match-funding from Barclays – taking the total to just over £50,000.

“This is a fantastic amount,” said Cllr Leeks, who represents Tadley South on the borough council.

“I would like to thank everyone who helped in any way to raise these funds for three worthy causes, and say a special thank-you to Barclays for supporting the Mayor’s Charity Appeal again in 2011-12.”