Northumberland County Council's outgoing civic head has raised more than £20,000 for a local charity over the past year.
Coun Trevor Cessford, who represents the Hexham Central with Acomb ward, handed over a cheque for £20,012.98 to Hexham-based charity Tynedale Hospice at Home.
The civic head is a ceremonial position, representing the council at functions while also raising money for a chosen charity.
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Following his appointment last year, Coun Cessford selected the hospice, which provides end of life nursing care, hospital transport and post bereavement support to children, adults and their families.
Unlike many hospices, Tynedale Hospice at Home’s palliative nursing care is provided in the home where the patients and their families can be surrounded by familiar comforts and can be cared for in a place of their choosing. They have 40 members of staff and are supported by 200 volunteers.
Speaking at Wednesday's meeting of Northumberland County Council, Coun Cessford said: "My charity is Tynedale Hospice at Home - it does what it says on the tin. It is a hospice, at home.
"I thank everybody who supported me and those who have sponsored and turned up at events. I have one more fundraising event on Sunday, which is a fire walk.
"If anybody wants to come and sponsor me, they're welcome and I will make sure it goes into the pot for the hospice."
Coun Cessford handed over his chains of office to Coun Catherine Seymour, who will act as the council's deputy chairman and ceremonial head.
The Berwick North councillor said: "I will do my utmost to serve the county and the council to the best of my ability. As the mental health champion, it is my pleasure to support the Samaritans, who have two branches in Northumberland; one in Ashington and one in Berwick.
"I will continue to fundraise for MND, along with some of my colleagues, and for stroke action, a cause close to my heart. I would also like to thank Coun Cessford for his dedication, wit and charm, and for the funds raised for his chosen charity."
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