RESIDENTS, staff and volunteers at Woodlands Respite Care Centre in York were visited by the new Lord Mayor of York this week as he launched his charities of the year.

The centre, in Thief Lane, is funded by the Multiple Sclerosis Society - one of two charities chosen by Councillor Chas Hall to support during his year in office.

Rachael Brayshaw, spokeswoman for Woodlands, said this year was extra special for the MS Society as it was also celebrating its 50th anniversary.

She said: "The whole civic party had a chance to look around the facilities, both the grounds and inside, and the Lord Mayor spent time getting to know the guests we have here this week.

"He was able to find out first hand what respite care for MS means and why it's so important that we raise money for it.

"It is such good news for us, not only for the funds, which are extremely important, but also to raise the profile of MS and of Woodlands."

The other Mayor's Charity is Sight Savers International. Coun Hall will visit Tomlinson Furniture Group at Tockwith, later this month where staff are regular fundraisers for the charity, which works to prevent and treat blindness all over the world.

Updated: 09:05 Friday, June 06, 2003