A mayor has thanked members of the business community for their support on the eve of handing over the reins.
 

Brighton and Hove mayor Bill Randall has attended 800 events during his year as the city’s first citizen.
 

After raising £20,000 for his three charities, Coun Randall invited leading members of the business community to the mayor’s parlour in Brighton Town Hall for a reception.
 

Among those present were Argus editor Michael Beard, Tony Mernagh of the Brighton and Hove Economic Partnership, and Phil Jones of Wired Sussex.
 

The money raised during the year will go to Allsorts, Brighton Women’s Centre and The Martlets Hospice.
 

Conservative councillor Denise Cobb will become the city’s mayor for 2013-14 at a special ceremony in Hove Town Hall next week.