A MAYOR has broken the record for the amount raised for a civic fund.

Councillor Vilma Collins, outgoing mayor of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, has raised £16,600 for the fund.

She made three major donations of £4,500 each to the Marske and Redcar combined division of the St John Ambulance and the Redcar and Teesmouth lifeboats.

The success of her fundraising means another £3,100 can be distributed in smaller donations among 32 charity and community groups chosen by Coun Collins from across the borough.

Coun Collins was supported by three mayoresses during her term in office - her sisters Barbara Beadman and Linda Martin, and friend Chris Ruddock.

Coun Collins said: "I'm absolutely delighted at the generosity we have been shown at all our events throughout a very busy 12 months.

"I had hoped we would raise a lot of money, but I'm overwhelmed at what we've achieved.

"I'm told that it has been the best civic charity total ever, and that's a marvellous tribute to everyone who has played a part, however big or small, in this past year. Thank you all."

Coun Collins, who was mayoress when her late husband, Terry, was mayor in 1980-81, added: "I've had a fantastic hectic year, with so many happy memories.