A MAYOR sang the praises of a veteran busker last week when he presented her with a cheque for £1,000.

Redcar High Street busker Norman Evans MBE awarded the sum to Redcar and Cleveland's Mayor, Coun Vilma Collins, for her charity fund.

It is the largest single donation received by the fund, and will be shared among the area's two lifeboat stations at Redcar and Teesmouth, St John Ambulance and local charities.

Coun Collins was joined at the presentation, at Mr Evans' pitch, by her three Mayoresses, Barbara Beadman, Linda Martin and Chris Ruddock.