The former mayor and mayoress of Worthing raised £17,700 for charity during their tour of civic duty.

Eric and Elizabeth Mardell are now planning to distribute the bulk of the cash among their chosen worthy causes - Shopmobility, Leucan and Worthing and District Crossroads.

Other beneficiaries include The Butterflies Breast Cancer Care at Worthing Hospital, Broadwater Community Association, Worthing RAG, Broadwater Baptist Church and Rainbow Theatre Company.

Fund-raising events in 2002-3 included the Mike Read music quiz, the film premiere of My Big Fat Greek Wedding at the Connaught Theatre and a Swimathon at the Aquarena.

The mayor even did a spot of wrestling with professional grapplers at the Assembly Hall to generate funds.

Mr Mardell said: "Liz and I are really thrilled to be able to hand out so much money to such noble Worthing charities and to surprise a few other organisations into the bargain as well, which is marvellous.

"Thank you for supporting the events throughout the mayoral year."

Shopmobility loans manual and powered wheelchairs as well as scooters to anyone with a mobility problem as a result of permanent or temporary disablement, age, accident or illness.

The service is available for use by young and old alike and clients do not have to be registered disabled or be a resident of Worthing to become a member or borrow a vehicle.

Crossroads, which celebrated its tenth anniversary in 2002, helps care for carers who are looking after ill or disabled people.

Leucan was set up in 1982 to provide emotional support and practical advice for parents of children up to the age of 25 with leukaemia or cancer within the Chichester and Shoreham areas, along with financial assistance as necessary.