HALTON’S new Mayor has pledged to raise funds for three caring organisations.

Clr Shaun Osborne has chosen Nightstop Communities North West, a project which supports young homeless people in Halton, The Lilac Centre, a cancer day unit at St Helens Hospital, and Halton Carers Centre.

Guests raised £1,705.20 for the Mayor’s fund at his installation in the Select Stadium.

Widnes born dad-of-four Clr Osborne, aged 57, from Peelhouse Lane, said: “I want to make a difference. I hope to raise around £10,000 for each charity.

“To help people in your own community is a massive thing.

“My sister-in-law, Paula Knowles, from Widnes, survived breast cancer and was supported by The Lilac Centre. I want to help them to provide complementary therapies for people who have cancer and their families. The stress goes right through everyone.

“I hope to set up a respite fund for young carers so we can allow them to be children. They have had something thrust upon their lives through no fault of their own.

“Nightstop has helped homeless children for 10 years. They offer mediation, counselling, anger management and mental health support for young people and their families. I want to raise their profile.”

His wife, Widnes-born Della, aged 53, said she is honoured to be Mayoress.

She has worked for Halton Council for the last 10 years in the rapid access rehabilitation service. She is part of the social care team which is a job she loves.

She has two children from a previous marriage.

She says she is looking forward to a wonderful, productive and very meaninful 12 months as Mayoress of Halton.

Clr Osborne attended SS Fisher & More RC School and Halton College and worked for ICI.

He now works part-time at the Co-op in Farnworth.

He has served the Ditton ward as a Labour councillor for 17 years and is an avid supporter of the voluntary sector.

He enjoys gardening, reading, rugby league and spending time with his family. His first grandson, Jacob was born in April.