CHARITIES were invited to a special reception to receive a donation of thousands of pounds each.

Former Brighton and Hove mayor and mayoress Brian and Norah Fitch presented a cheque for more than £47,500 to representatives from the charities Mr Fitch chose to support during his year of office.

The money raised will be divided between The Argus Appeal, the Martlets Hospice and Brighton Housing Trust.

The Argus Appeal is the charity of The Argus newspaper and supports good causes across Sussex .

The Hove-based Martlets helps terminally ill patients and their families in Brighton and Hove and surrounding areas.

The Brighton Housing Trust works to combat homelessness, create opportunities and promote change by challenging the causes of homelessness, poverty and marginalisation and dealing with the consequences.