A town's departing Mayor has gifted hundreds of pounds to primary schools in his area.

Councillor Roy Davies, who has been the Mayor of Darwen for the last two years, has donated a share of £2000 to four primary schools in the town.

St James' Primary School, Sudell Primary School, St Peter's Primary School and Holy Trinity Primary will each receive £500 to spend on whatever they like, be it for classroom equipment or to help with maintenance costs.

Cllr Davies said: "While I was serving as Mayor, I raised a lot of money for food poverty. And we held two bonfires in Darwen during that time and managed to collect around £3000 for the charities.

"I initially gave a share of £200 to three schools and seeing as I had £2800 left when I finished my Mayorship, I decided to donate it the four other schools.

"I have also given £800 to the Food Larder in Darwen which helps those who need extra food or toiletries."

Cllr Davies said he wishes he could've helped every school in Darwen but chose the ones he felt were most in need.

He added: "I want to thank everyone who attended those bonfires and donated money as without their generosity I wouldn't have been able to give anything to the schools."

Conservative Councillor, Lilian Salton, has now taken over as Mayor of Darwen and will follow in Cllr Davies footsteps by raising money for worthy causes in the area.