Nottinghamshire-based charity, the Ear Foundation was presented with a cheque for £5,500 today as the Chairman of Nottinghamshire County Council approached the end of her year in office on a high.

Councillor Pauline Allan has been raising funds and the profile of the Foundation since taking up the chains of office last May.

The money has been raised in a variety of ways, including raffles, collecting tins at County Hall, a Curry Night, an auction and even recycling Christmas trees!

The Chairman made her decision to chose the Ear Foundation as her charity for the year after meeting Sue Archibold, who founded the charity 25 years ago, at an event last year.

Councillor Allan said: “I gave a great deal of thought to who to pick as my chosen charity for my year in office – there are so many fantastic causes out there – but after meeting Sue and finding out more about what the Ear Foundation continues to do, I had to choose them.

“I’m delighted that I’ve managed to raise almost £5,500 and just as importantly, I’m delighted that I’ve helped to raise the profile of such a brilliant charity which makes such a big difference to the lives of so many local people. When I hang up my chains, I fully intend to keep in touch with the Ear Foundation and helping them out in any way I can.”

The Chairman says that getting out and meeting “some truly remarkable people” has been the highlight of a hectic but sometimes very emotional year.

Councillor Allan added: “The formal occasions are enjoyable but the highlight of the year for me has been meeting many different people from all walks of life. Nottinghamshire has some truly remarkable people.

“It has been a very emotional experience at times. I’ve met bereaved relatives whose loved ones had donated organs and parents of children affected by MPS – a life-limiting genetic condition affecting children – who planted saplings in the wood at Sherwood Pines.

“It was a privilege to become the first Chairman of the County Council to join the Nottinghamshire Pride March last year, to meet the many young people who enjoy our fantastic County Youth Arts programme and express my love for literature when opening a number of refurbished libraries across the county.”

Councillor Allan’s year in office will end at the Council’s AGM on Thursday, 14 May. The new Chairman elect is Councillor Sybil Fielding.