Halesowen charity hosts mayor's first engagement (From Hereford Times)

Halesowen charity hosts mayor's first engagement

AN extra special first engagement awaited Dudley’s new mayor Michael Evans at a Halesowen charity.

Foodbank chief executive officer Wendy Fryatt and Mayor Cllr Michael Evans. (To buy: 201110J)

Black Country Foodbank helped to name Councillor Michael Evans Volunteering Champion for Dudley borough at the annual volunteering celebration.

The charity was invited by Dudley CVS Volunteer Centre to host the event, which also saw former Mayor Councillor Peter Miller thanked for spending his year in office championing good causes.

Cllr Evans handed out Valued Volunteer Award certificates and presented £500 to the foodbank from the Dudley Safe and Sound Partnership.

Andy Gray, Dudley CVS Chief Officer said, “We are delighted to team up with Black Country Foodbank to welcome our fourth volunteering champion for the borough.

“Cllr Miller has been a wholehearted advocate during his year in office and we look forward to our new champion Mayor Cllr Evans being an equally high profile champion in the year to come”

Guests including senior police, council and health officials who heard how the Black Country Foodbank has helped more than 5,000 people in the last year.