THE charities chosen by the new mayor of Redditch have received their first donation of the civic year.

The League of Friends of the Alexandra Hospital, Blue Wave Community Transport, and the Mental Health Action Group (MHAG), chosen by mayor councillor Roger Bennett last month, were just one of six recipients at a special presentation of the Redditch Masonic Charity.

A total of £3,600 was also presented to Pitcheroak School, Redditch Scouts, the Where Next Association, Touchstones Child Bereavement Support, and First Redditch Boys and Girls Brigade, with representatives from each speaking about the services they provide and how the donations received will help and assist them in their work.

Cllr Bennett said: "I'm proud of the work the charities do for the residents of the town and I’m delighted to accept this donation to them from the Redditch Masonic Charity.

"I'm deeply honoured and proud to be representing Redditch this year. Together with my wife and consort Laura, I look forward to my year of attending many local functions and visiting as many businesses as possible.”

Redditch’s new mayor has lived in Redditch for 25 years, is married to Laura, and has one son.

Following a business career in transport and logistics, Cllr Bennett was elected as borough councillor for Headless Cross and Oakenshaw Ward in 2012 and has served on the planning, licensing, and audit and governance committee.

He is also the current chair of Redditch Highways Forum, the link between local councillors and Worcestershire County Council, where he has also been a councillor since 2016, currently serving on the planning and standards and ethics committees.

Rounding off the civic appointments for this year Cllr Bennett’s cadet is LCpl Kazi Keisha from the Redditch Troop and Cllr Gareth Prosser is deputy mayor.