Cllr Todd was delighted to hand over cheques to her nominated charities at a ceremony in the Mayor's Parlour at Peterborough town hall.

Surrounded by the portraits of former civic dignitaries, the last incumbent of the role Cllr Todd thanked the charities for all their support over the last year before she, too, joins the faces on the wall with her own picture.

She said: "It is a great pleasure to contribute this money, a total of £23,462.35, and thank you particularly for all your hard work.

"This is what we are here for really.

"we did really well fund-raising, and I really felt like I had the whole of Peterborough behind me.

"The city council staff were amazing as well, doing things like bed pushes. it has been a brilliant year."

The eight charities benefiting from the funds raised were the Friends of Peterborough Hospital, Sue Ryder Care Thorpe Hall Hospice, district Scouts, Sea Cadets, 115 Squadron Air Training Corps, 51 Orton Squadron, No1 Cambs Army Cadet Force (ACF) and Help a Peterborough Youth.

Moira Beattie thanked Cllr Todd on behalf of the hospital for her contribution and efforts.

Company Sergeant Major Nigel Parry, of No1 Cambs ACF, said the group had been amazed at the amount raised and planned to use the funds to help youngsters take part in a variety of schemes.