WHEN Linda Norris took on the prestigious role as Mayor of Southampton she was determined to do her bit for the city’s charities.

And now just a weeks after her 12 months in office have come to an end she has revealed that she raised a record amount of cash for three charities.

More than £44,000 was raised as part of the Mayor’s Charities Appeal 2015/2016 - a total believed to be the largest ever raised by a citym ayor for their charities.

Now representatives from Saints Foundation, Rose Road and the Air Cadets have each received a cheque from the pot.

The funds have been split according to the needs of the charity - an additional 20 small charities from around the area will receive £200 each.

The former mayor, who was replaced by current mayor Cathie McEwing in May, said: “I chose my three charities to ensure that the money raised was kept in Southampton.

“I think it is proper and right to support charities who give back to the local area.”

The mayor’s ball, an afternoon tea and a golf day were among some of the events that raised money for the charities.

The Saints Foundation hope to put the funds towards their ‘Kicks’ and ‘Senior Saints’ programmes.

Greg Baker Head of Saints Foundation and Community Partnerships said: “The funding we have received from Linda would normally take us a very long time to raise on our own so it makes a huge difference.

“We usually receive money in the form of grants where we are tied to what we do with it so it is really nice to have this money to put towards anything we want.”

Rose Road is a Southampton-based charity that works with children across Hampshire who have complex health needs.

Rachael Tyler Fundraising and Data Assistant at Rose Road said that the money has been used to install a sensory floor for the children who attend the centre.

She said: “It has been great to have Linda’s support throughout the past year - the events have helped to raise support and our public profile which means a lot to us.

“The children absolutely love the mat!”

The Southampton Air Cadets offer a range of opportunities for teenagers aged between 12-16 including learning how to lead expeditions and how to fly an aeroplane.

Chris Strichland chairman of the RAF civilian committee said: “The money will go towards funding a new minibus for the Southampton Air Cadets.

“The RAF only fund us for activities and events so it is great to have some money to put towards travel to these places.”