A MAYOR rounded off his year of fundraising by having his head shaved.

Former Mold mayor Bob Gaffey organised several events throughout his year in office in aid of the Bailey Hill project.

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The scheme aims to turn the former Norman settlement Bailey Hill into a thriving outdoor attraction.

During his last day as mayor on Wednesday, less than 24 hours after abseiling down the side of County Hall in Mold, Mr Gaffey had his head shaved at Mold Indoor Market in order to raise awareness of the project.

He told the Leader he was not nervous about the cut, adding: "It will grow back, so I don't see that as a problem."

In 2016 a stage one Heritage Lottery Fund grant of £43,000 was approved for the project.

The three organisations involved in the scheme - the Friends of Bailey Hill, Mold Town Council and Flintshire Council - then went on to apply for a £1 million stage two grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

But they have to raise £100,000 to secure it if they are successful.

Speaking about the progress of the campaign Mr Gaffey, who stepped down from the council on Wednesday evening, added: "We have raised about £97,000 so we are nearly there.

"Bailey Hill is where Mold started. 1,000 years ago there was nothing there. The Normans invaded North Wales and built a motte and Bailey Castle. That is the heart of Mold.

"In the last century there was a bowling green and tennis courts on Bailey Hill and they have gone. If we get that money we are hoping residents and community groups will use the place. It is a vastly underused asset."

Mr Gaffey added he intends to continue selling copies of his book 'Everybody says honesty is a virtue but nobody wants to hear the truth' in aid of the scheme.