Coun Guy Grainger decided a year ago instead of holding a civic dinner and other events to raise money for charity – which have previously brought mixed fortunes – he would donate his allowance.

The Air Ambulance, St Barnabas Hospice and West Lindsey Alzheimer’s Society each received £415.67, a third of the allowance plus £149, a third share of the proceeds from a charity bingo.

Coun Grainger said he was delighted to hand out the £1,247 to three charities, ‘which each play an important role in our community.’

“They would not be able to function without the donations of local people. I have been very happy to publicise these charities and to donate my mayoral stipend to them in recognition of all the good work they are doing. I have also made some good friends, particularly through the Alzheimer's Society, and I hope that all three charities will get the support that they deserve from people in the Market Rasen area in the coming year.”

Sue White, an Alzheimer’s care support worker said the money would be used to continue the social and informative sessions.

Hospice funding manager Kim Frow said her donation would finance the Hospice at Home service in Market Rasen after Coun Grainger acknowledged the ‘tremendous job’ it does, and he thanked the Air Ambulance’s representative, fellow councillor Margaret Lakin-Whitworth, for ‘all the work you do for this charity in the community; you are always there’.