The Mayor of Dudley has received a late gift from Santa in the shape of a £900 donation to her chosen charities.

The cash was collected by the Halesowen North Santa Runs, which took donations throughout December while out greeting residents on the streets.

Halesowen North councillor Stuart Henley, who organises the runs, visited the mayor’s parlour this week to hand over a large cheque. Councillor Andrea Goddard, the Mayor of Dudley, said:

“I was delighted to receive this donation from Councillor Henley.

“He works tirelessly every year putting smiles on so many children’s faces, getting people in the festive spirit and raising funds for local causes and charities.

“It can be so difficult to get volunteers to keep this running and the hours he puts in is simply admirable. Long may it continue.”

The cash will be split between the Mayor’s four chosen charities this year. They are Dudley Community First Responders, Prostate Cancer UK, Mary Stevens Hospice and Up and Downs.

The Santa runs raised £1,900 in all, with the remaining £1,000 split equally between Real Mama Tribe and the Neonatal Unit at Russells Hall Hospital.