TWO children's charities are thousands of pounds better off thanks to a Mayor's year in office.

Labour councillor Eileen Rochford, who was Durham's mayor last year, chose the Butterwick Children's Hospice at Stockton and the Round Table Children's Wish as her favoured causes.

The £25,207, which the charities are sharing, was raised at various events including the city's annual civic ball.

Coun Rochford, a child care worker and garage owner from Esh Winning, said: "Children and dying children are a very emotional subject. We need both these charities to support the children and their families."

Children's hospice founder Mary Butterwick said: "This kind of support really does make a huge difference to the lives of our children and their families."

Round Table Children's Wish helps terminally ill children to fulfil their wishes.

Stuart King, of the charity, said: "We are extremely grateful and will be able to grant even more wishes for these special children."