THE Mayor of Barnsley has helped to raise more than £3,000 each for two local charities as part of her charity work during the pandemic.

Coun Caroline Makinson presented her chosen charities – TADS (Therapies for Anxiety, Depression, and Stress) and Beacon South Yorkshire with a cheque each for £3,137.50.

She was welcomed as mayor in October, instead of the traditional ceremony in May due to restrictions around the coronavirus pandemic.

But she didn't let the pandemic slow her fundraising efforts and raised £6,275 which was split between the two charities.

She said: “My time as mayor in 2020-21 is one I’ll never forget – being the mayor in the middle of a pandemic was not the easiest of tasks and really restricted the charity events I had hoped to hold.

“But I was determined to make the best of it and do my charities proud. So, we got our thinking caps on and used the virtual world to hold a Christmas quiz and a virtual raffle earlier this year and we also received some very generous donations.

“I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who donated or supported the charities over the last seven months which went towards raising an amount I felt proud to hand over.

“Also, a big thank you to these two wonderful charities who continue to do some amazing work within our communities – I look forward to the year ahead as I continue to support them.”

While donating the cheque to TADS, Coun Makinson was given the opportunity to formally open their new premises on Sheffield Road.