Charities and community groups are in line for more than £25,000 in support thanks to a mayor's year of fund-raising.

Councillor Ian Armitt, who is reaching the end of his year in office as Dartford's mayor, has dedicated much of his time to raising the profile, and the cash, of deserving organisations within the borough.

Cllr Armitt, from Wilmington and ward member for Bean and Darenth, is just one of four councillors to have held the position twice, having first sat in 2005/06.

He has been striving, through the mayor's charity, to help 14 local causes through a range of projects and has reached £25,000 with more expected.

Among the recipients are Dartford Association for the Disabled, Valley Park Radio, TS Anson Sea Cadets, 1051 Squadron Air Training Corps, 121 Youth Befriending, Dartford & District Scouts, Age Concern and Rainbow Lodge.

Cllr Armitt has been accompanied by his wife, mayoress Lynne Armitt, who works part-time as the finance officer at Dartford Age Concern. Dartford's next mayor will be Cllr Jennifer Rickwood, with Cllr Pat Coleman as deputy mayor.

Cllr Armitt said: "I had hoped to raise £14,000, but it looks as if the final sum will be about £26,000. It would have been good to beat the £32,000 I made last time I was mayor, but it is still a fantastic sum and I am grateful for the support I have received."

Further donations are still welcome. Send cheques, payable to The Mayor's Charity Account to Mayor's Parlour, Civic Centre, Home Gardens, Dartford, Kent DA1 1DR.