FORMER High Sheriff of Powys, David Peate has presented two local charities with contributions totalling £16,500.

Mr Peate has handed £8,250 to the Montgomeryshire Family Crisis Centre and £8,250 to the Wales Air Ambulance.

The funds were raised during his year as High Sheriff in 2019/2020.

Several events were held including a Garden Party at Plas Cyfronydd, by kind permission of Lord and Lady Hague, a Gala Dinner at the Royal Oak Hotel by kind permission of Christopher Birdsell prepared by the Welsh Culinary Team and several other smaller events.

Mr Peate said: "It was a huge privilege and a great honour to have been able to serve as High Sheriff for the county of Powys.

"I am extremely grateful to all who supported my fundraising events so generously, to those who provided prizes for auctions and raffles and to those who gave so willingly of their time to help with the organisation of these events. Unfortunately, my year of office ended abruptly with the imposition of the lockdown and several events had to be cancelled."

He added: "I am most grateful also to my Chaplain, Father Yaqoob Khushi for his support during my year in office. I wish him and his family great success and happiness in his new Church, St Peter’s Rickerscote, Stafford.

"I wish the current High Sheriff, Mrs Rhian Duggan all the very best and hope that the lockdown will end as soon as it is safe to do so and that she will be able to enjoy what remains of her term of office.

"It has been a remarkable year and what has impressed me most is the incredibly high level of volunteering, in all walks of life, which takes place in Powys – people give so selflessly and generously of their time, quietly and without expectation of thanks and recognition."