Mayor and Mayoress David and Shirley Blades, right, present the cheque to Sandra Harding and Simon Bailes, who organised the ball

A CHARITY that offers counselling to troubled children has received a boost from the Mayor of Northallerton.

Childline, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, received the donation of £23,000 from Coun David Blades and the Mayoress, his wife, Shirley.

The money was raised during Coun Blades' first year in office, most of it coming from two functions - a fashion show sponsored by Barkers and the mayor's charity ball, both held in the Golden Lion Hotel, Northallerton.

The money was received by Sandra Harding, Childline's regional fundraiser, who became involved with the charity nine years ago. She said: "This is a fantastic achievement. It means that many more thousands of children will be able to speak to someone as a result."

* Coun Blades has been re-elected for another year .