Former Ipswich major Roger Fern has formally handed over the money raised during his year of office to the two charities he supported in the town.

East Anglian Daily Times: Former mayor Roger Fern and his consort Ellie Griss present a cheque to IHAG - Chapman Centre after his year in office. Picture: IPSWICH COUNCILFormer mayor Roger Fern and his consort Ellie Griss present a cheque to IHAG - Chapman Centre after his year in office. Picture: IPSWICH COUNCIL (Image: Archant)

During their mayoral year Roger and his consort and grand-daughter Ellie Griss raised £ 20,452.72.

He gave more than £10,000 each to the Ipswich Housing Action Group Chapman Centre and the Ipswich Dementia Action Alliance.

The money was raised at a number of events during Mr Fern’s year as the borough’s mayor from May 2016 to May this year. The groups were invited to the Mayor’s Parlour in the Town Hall for the presentation.

IHAG’s Chapman Centre offers help and support to homeless people and street drinkers. Mr Fern was one of the founders of the centre in Black Horse Lane when it was known as the Umbrella Trust before merging with IHAG.

The Ipswich Dementia Action Alliance is working to try to make this a Dementia-friendly town.