FORMER Lord Mayor of York David Horton signed off his civic year by giving his two nominated charities a £20,000 boost.

Each year, the Lord Mayor chooses charities he or she will support throughout their year in office.

Coun Horton backed Shopmobility York, which lends motorised scooters and manual wheelchairs to people for free, and special needs charity SNAPPY.

More than £20,000 was raised for the two charities at fundraising events during the past civic year, split equally between SNAPPY and Shopmobility.

Coun Horton said: "It is nice that the figure topped £20,000. I would like to thank the Lady Mayoress, Kathleen Gibson, and Sheriff and Sheriff's Lady, Martin and Annette Brumby, for the support they have given me in making the fundraising events such a huge success. I hope the money will, at worst, tide over the charities which I know struggle year on year."

Shopmobility chairwoman Shan Braund, herself a former Lord Mayor, said: "The trustees are absolutely delighted with this contribution. We would like in particular to thank Councillor Horton for the huge personal effort he has put in on top of what is already a demanding role. This money will mean Shopmobility operating on a sound financial footing for at least the next year."

SNAPPY project manager Anne Pemberton said: "This is brilliant news for us. The money will be used to put on the summer scheme, which is very popular but costs a lot of money.

"We were really pleased to be chosen as one of the Lord Mayor's charities and really appreciate the effort that has been put in. This money will make a real difference for us."

Updated: 09:51 Saturday, June 21, 2003