GENEROUS donations from over 1,300 churchgoers helped raise more than £850 for the mayor of Saffron Walden’s two charities.

The congregation of St Mary’s Church donated money and toys during the two popular Christmas Tree services on Christmas Eve – and had another little surprise up their sleeves when they sang happy birthday to Mayor David Watson.

Half of the money raised went to the church and the rest was split between Saffron Walden & District Riding Club for the Disabled and Huntington’s Disease Association, the charities chosen by Cllr Watson. Each received over £430.

The Rector of St Mary’s Parish Church, Rev David Tomlinson, said it was an “amazingly generous” contribution from the people who attended the services and added that it “reflected the love of Christmas”.

“The mayor has chosen two wonderful charities and once again we continue to see the generous giving by the people of Saffron Walden,” he said.

So far the mayor’s appeal for his two charities has raised £6,000 and Cllr Watson was quick to thank everyone for their support.

“I am absolutely delighted with the money that has been donated so far. The people of Saffron Walden have supported all the events we have run and have been generous in the extreme, as have all the independent shops,” he explained.

“This was a truly magical gesture by St Mary’s Parish Church.

“The Christmas Eve services were not only a pleasure to be at but were an excellent demonstration of the generosity of the people of Saffron Walden and the surrounding villages.”

Saffron Walden & District Riding Club for the Disabled’s treasurer, Helen Doust, said: “This makes a huge difference to us because we do not have any other funding to keep running.

“We need donations to keep in existence and to allow the children to ride.”