PROUD outgoing mayor Julie Young hailed a “fabulous” year of record fundraising and greater inclusion.

The Greenstead representative, who has served on Colchester Council since 1998, was the borough’s first Labour mayor for 24 years.

After a “successful” year, Mrs Young welcomed Highwoods Indepedent group leader Gerard Oxford as the new mayor for the year.

Mrs Young raised tens of thousands of pounds for her chosen charities, Beacon House, Signpost, Open Road, the Invicta Foundation and the Rob George Foundation.

Mrs Young said: “I have had a fabulous year as mayor of Colchester. I set out to make changes, that was my theme for the year, and I feel I have achieved what I set out to do.

“We have raised record levels of money for my chosen charities. We have raised just shy of £50,000 in total - and £9,500 funded 100 pensioners visiting the Oyster Feast.

“Never have Colchester businesses been so involved in supporting the mayoral year - with donations and fundraising.

“It has been a tremendous honour.

“The very last thing I will do is sign a letter to go to councillor Leese and Mayor Burnham to show solidarity and support from Colchester to the Manchester community.

“Although today is a day of celebration, the loss of the victims in the Manchester bombings lies in all of our minds.”

We are all coming to terms with this heinous act.”