MORE than £25,000 has been raised for good causes in the Basingstoke area following the success of a high-profile fund-raising appeal.

Local people raised the money for Councillor Dan Putty’s Mayor’s Charity Appeal when he served as the borough’s first citizen in 2013-14.

The money was generated through events such as the annual Mayor’s Charity Firework Fiesta, in War Memorial Park, and events organised by local businesses including The Mayflower Chinese Restaurant, in May Place, which hosted a Mayor's Charity Show.

The donations to the year-long appeal have now been divided between The Dan Putty JP Foundation – which Cllr Putty set up under the umbrella of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation (HIWCF) – and to The Bluebells respite holiday home in North Waltham run by charity Sebastian’s Action Trust.

Representatives from the two organisations were invited to the Civic Offices, in London Road, to receive cheques from Cllr Putty and his wife Julie.

Toni Shaw and Lesley Rattue, from HIWCF, received £15,066, which will be matched by a further £7,000 under the Government’s Community First Challenge scheme, while a £10,000 cheque was presented to Jane Gates, from Sebastian’s Action Trust.

Toni said: “We are delighted with the cheque from Cllr Putty and Julie and are grateful for all their hard work over the year as Mayor and Mayoress, and I’d like to thank everyone who has made a donation.

“The money will be invested for the long-term benefit of small community groups and charities across Basingstoke and Deane.”

Jane praised Cllr Putty and Julie for helping to raise the profile of The Bluebells and Sebastian’s Action Trust.

“We are so very grateful for the donation of £10,000. It will go towards providing for the outreach support in this locality for families of our seriously ill children.”

Cllr Putty, who represents Hatch Warren and Beggarwood on the borough council, said: “I am really chuffed with the amount of money that has been raised for my chosen charities.

“The generosity of the good people of Basingstoke and Deane and the organisations have impressed us most sincerely.”

Mrs Putty said she was particularly grateful for local people’s kind-hearted support, especially as many have been struggling through the recent difficult economic climate.