A TOWN mayor has thanked his supporters for helping him to raise thousands of pounds for good causes.

The Leader reported in August how Buckley mayor Cllr David Ellis took on a skydive from 15,000ft in aid of his three chosen charities - The Stroke Association, The Alzheimer’s Society and Marie Curie Nurses.

Cllr Ellis has now confirmed the adrenaline pumping challenge in Lancaster has brought in more than £7,000 for the three charities.

He said: "I would like to thank everyone who sponsored me for their donations to my charity parachute jump on August 5 at Black Nights Parachute Centre.

"The total amount raised to date is £7,153.50.

"All money raised is going to the mayor's charities. The amount raised passed all my expectations this could of not have happened without the support of local people, friends, family, businesses and all my work colleagues at Essar Refinery Stanlow whose support was immense."

Following the challenge, Cllr Ellis described the thrilling moment he left the plane.

He said: "It was a real buzz and it went very quickly. I was in freefall for the first 11,000 feet.

"When you're hanging out of the aircraft and you'd normally be seated, having a cup of tea or a meal, it is terrifying but exhilarating."