New Redbridge Mayor Cllr Chris Cummins kicked off his fundraising appeal on Monday by visiting his two chosen charities.

Cllr Cummins, who took over the chains of office from Cllr Jim O’Shea in May, is supporting Multiple Sclerosis Society Redbridge and a project run by Newbridge School, Loxford Lane, Ilford to buy a minibus.

He was joined by Mayoress Helen Johnson and Deputy Mayor Cllr Felicity Banks for the visits to the two organisations which will receive funds collected at events during his mayoral year.

They went to the Marjorie Collins Day Centre, Grove Road, Chadwell Heath, first and looked around the base of the Multiple Sclerosis Society Redbridge before speaking to members.

Centre manager Joe Hill said: “We are very pleased, proud and happy to be part of the mayor’s fundraising efforts.

“Cllr Cummins spent time chatting to everyone and seemed very interested in what goes on here and the people who we do our best to look after.”

The centre has more than 200 members, including family and friends of multiple sclerosis sufferers, and is run by volunteers.

Mr Hill said any money raised would be a big help and is likely to be spent on new equipment or refurbishment.

At Newbridge School Cllr Cummins was greeted by headteacher Peter Bouldstridge.

Mr Bouldstridge showed him around before Cllr Cummins met pupils and had photographs taken with them.

“We are delighted to have been chosen,” he said. “This is a great opportunity to receive some much-needed funding to go towards our new minibus.”

Mr Bouldstridge explained a lot of work takes place outside the school grounds and the minibus would be used to transport people into the community.

The mayor’s next fundraising event will be a charity dinner at Razza Restaurant in High Road, Woodford Green on July 4.