Two charities have received hundreds of pounds from the former chairman of Uttlesford District Council after he handed over proceeds from his year in office.

Saffron Walden Reporter: Cllr Keith Artus presents a cheque to Sue Morgan, the county coordinator for Help for Heroes.Cllr Keith Artus presents a cheque to Sue Morgan, the county coordinator for Help for Heroes. (Image: Archant)

Councillor Keith Artus raised over £1,600 during his 2014 to 2015 tenure.

And, last Tuesday, October 13, Cllr Artus met with representatives from Help For Heroes and the British Heart Foundation to award the funds raised.

He said: “I had an energetic and enjoyable year as chairman, and hope that I have in some way raised the profile of these two fantastic causes.

“I have always felt our country owes much if not more when our troops come home and Help for Heroes makes a huge difference to soldiers with the physical and mental scars of service.”

He added: “My father died from heart disease so the British Heart Foundation is another cause that is particularly close to my mine.”

During his year in office Cllr Artus attended events including a cruise on the Thames, and saw Canadian and British Lancasters, Spitfires and a Vulcan Bomber at the Clacton Air Show.

He also gave his support to the Jack Petchey Foundation and initiated the Community Covenant liaison meetings with Carver Barracks in Debden.