The former mayor of Barnet raised £86,000 during his year in office to support two vital Barnet charities.

In a reception held in Hendon Town Hall, Councillor Brian Schama presented cheques of £43,000 each to Barnet Carers and the Alzheimer's fund for Barnet Hospital.

The representative for Mill Hill ward thanked those who had worked on his fundraising committee and helped him raise money to support the two causes.

He also recalled the highlights of the fundraising efforts including the golf day and the “great evening” that was the gala dinner held at Saracens Stadium, as well as the everyday work of collecting money at supermarkets.

He added: “This money will be put to very good use.

"There are not two charities in Barnet more worthy of this and it gives me great pleasure to present the money to Barnet Hospital and Barnet Carers.

“I am delighted we were able to raise so much.”

The hospital's deputy director of nursing Teresa McHugh said it was "fantastic" to receive this money.

She added: “It will so much to help us in our work to help those suffering with dementia.

“It is great to have such participation from the local community in helping raise the money.”

The Mayor’s contribution will be used to buy tiptree tables, activity tables that include specialised equipment that helps reduce anxiety, dehydration, malnutrition and falls.

They cost £17,000 each and nurses aim to have them at every ward station. 

Chief executive of Barnet Carers Diane Williams described the boost the former mayor’s fundraising would give to the charity’s work of looking after those who care for sick or elderly relatives.

She added: “We’re over the moon to receive this money.

“There are 32,000 unpaid carers in Barnet, of whom more than a thousand are schoolchildren caring for a parent while continuing their own education.

"Only about 5,000 of them are registered with us.

“We will use this money to market ourselves and raise awareness so people know we are here to help them.” 

The charity gives respite and support to unpaid carers, each of whom save the taxpayer £15,000 a year.

She added: “This money helps them keep going and gives children a chance to be children again. The carers are worth every penny invested in them.”