HASLEMERE mayor, Councillor Simon Dear, has handed over more than £10,000 to charity this year.

Each year, the town mayor chooses his or her charities to support. This year, Cllr Dear chose the Haslemere Youth Hub, the Hunter Centre for dementia patients and Cancer Testing South – a PSA screening charity.

The cash was raised by people who supported events the mayor put on or was involved in, as well as gifts from private individuals.

Cllr Dear said: “I’m a founder member of the Hunter Centre and know what great work they do looking after dementia patients and their carers. The youth hub is a brilliant charity providing facilities for more than 30 youth groups in the area and Cancer Testing South is saving local men’s lives by offering PSA screening tests not available on the NHS.”

Hunter Centre manager Elaine Clement received a cheque for £3,500. She said: “I’m thrilled at this donation, which will help with a garden improvement project we’re doing for our patients.”

Roger MacDivitt of Cancer Testing South said: “I’m so pleased to get the £1,500 the mayor has given us, which will really help.”

The youth hub received £5,000.

Trustees Karen Garland and Nadeana Simpson-Hadden said: “We’re amazed at this. It’s wonderful, thank you so much.”