FLINTSHIRE residents have been praised for their generosity after thousands of pounds were presented to good causes.

Cllr Paul Cunningham stepped down as chairman of Flintshire Council earlier this week.

He and his consort Joan Cunningham presented their chosen charities with cheques totalling £14,468 last week.

Since being elected last May, Councillor Cunningham has supported Nightingale House Hospice and MacMillan Cancer Support.

Each charity received £6,000 each with £2,468 split amongst other charities.

Cllr Cunningham told the Leader: "It has been a tremendous year and it's been an honour and a privilege to be the chairman of Flintshire Council.

"My wife Joan has been a wonderful consort and we have attended more than 300 engagements throughout the year.

"We have met a wide range of people from school children to centenarians and people over 100.

"The reception we have received everywhere we have gone has been marvellous."

Speaking of the funds raised throughout his year, he added: "We have the funds to the charities and it has been an absolute pleasure to help.

"The people of Flintshire have been so generous. Everyone who has donated - I can't praise them highly enough."

On Tuesday, Councillor Marion Bateman was appointed as Chair of Flintshire County Council, and her husband Cllr Haydn Bateman as her consort.

Cllr Cunningham added: "It was sad but at the same time Joan and I wish Marion and Haydn a wonderful year. If their year is as good as ours, they will thoroughly enjoy it."

Councillor Marion Bateman represents the Northop electoral division and has been a member of the Council since November 2009.

She has also been a Sychdyn Member of Northop Community Councillor for many years and has been Chair of the Council in the past.