THE former Mayor of Stourport has raised £6,350 for Stourport Forward to try and help promote the town as a major Worcestershire tourism destination.

John Holden donated the funds raised during his year of office as part of his mayoral project to support Destination Stourport.

Mr Holden said: “I am delighted that we have raised such a fantastic amount of money to support Destination Stourport through the work of Stourport Forward.

“I believe that charity should begin at home and chose to donate the funds raised during my mayoral year to a project that would support the further development of Stourport as a major Worcestershire tourism destination.

“I hope that local people will continue to support the development of Destination Stourport.”

As well as traditional fund-raising events, Mr Holden arranged for the sale of Stourport town fleeces, polo shirts and golf umbrellas, all bearing the Stourport coat of arms, which only the Mayor of Stourport can use.

Money was also raised from the annual Mayor’s Ball, which returned to the Stourport Manor Hotel.

Mr Holden said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who helped to raise these funds, by donating raffle and auction prizes, buying fleeces and umbrellas and supporting all the functions and events that formed part of my campaign to support Destination Stourport.”

Pauline Annis, acting chairman of Stourport Forward, said: “This is a fantastic achievement. We are so grateful to Mr Holden and his wife, Glenys, for their very kind donation and for all their hard work, ingenuity and support.

“This will be a big boost to the funding that we require in order to continue our work to promote and market Stourport, to deliver a programme of events and activities and to staff our two heritage rooms.”

The creation of the Heritage Rooms and events programme for Stourport Canal Basins is part of a partnership project of Stourport Forward with Stourport Civic Society and British Waterways, which was initially funded by regional development agency, Advantage West Midlands and Stourport Civic Society.

The ongoing work of Stourport Forward has been funded by grants from Wyre Forest District Council and Worcestershire County Council and is also supported by Stourport Town Council, British Waterways, Bewdley Museum, other local groups/organisations and a core team of volunteers.