ALMOST £20,000 has been raised for three community charities by the former Mayor of Halton Clr Margaret Ratcliffe.

She shared the money between the Cancer Patients Support Fund at Halton Hospital, the Canal Boat Adventure Project and Halton Entertainment Art Regional Theatre (HEARTS).

Clr Ratcliffe, aged 59, of Park Road, Runcorn, said: “I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of my time in office and met so many wonderful people and organisations in and around Halton.

“The amount raised really was the icing on the cake.

“I want to say a huge ‘thank you’ to everyone who has helped organise events and donated to these worthy causes.

“All the money raised will benefit people of the borough.”

She raised £19,018.96 from a range of events including themed dinners and an innovative alternative Ladies Day with live betting from Aintree.

She also held the first ever Halton bikers day.

More than 2,000 visitors supported an open day at Runcorn Town Hall and Riverside College hosted a hair and media make up showcase.

Norma Hornby from the Canal Boat Adventure Project, said: "We will be using the Mayors’ donation to pay the lease on the former Woodlands Playbuilding.

"This will enable us to expand to meet the demand for its provision for young people in Halton. Several companies are already committed to supporting the renovation of this building."

Louis Neeves, from HEARTS, said: "Cash received from the Mayor's charity will be used to secure the success of our annual community panto Jack & the Beanstalk at Upton Community centre for 2014 and future years.

Bev Collins of the Cancer Patients Support Fund said: “Being chosen as one of the Mayor’s charities for 2013-14 has meant such a great deal to the service.

"Not only are we most grateful for the money raised during our year, we have also had wonderful opportunities to network and meet other charities.

"We have had our profile raised in Halton which means we have had the opportunity to help and support more people.”

Hearts panto runs from December 5-8 and tickets will be available from 0151 511 6161 from October.