The former chairman of Ashfield District Council, Coun Dale Grounds, raised £4,000 for two charities during his year in office.

He presented £2,000 to Enlighten the Shadows (pictured) in memory of his friend, Sean Lynk. The charity supports men with depression and anxiety in a bid to stop male suicide.

He has also handed over £2,000 to Ducklings, the hospital school for children in Nottingham. Dale often surprises the youngsters there at Queen’s Medical Centre when he arrives dressed as action hero Spiderman.

While presenting the cheque to Enlighten the Shadows, Dale (second right) said: “I chose the charity because it is currently supporting the family of a good friend of mine, Sean. I’ll forever remember him as being the one who lit up a room with laughter and happiness.

“Despite not knowing Sean for a long time, he was one of the greatest men I have ever met, and he made an eternal impact on my life. I truly believe in the work that Enlighten the Shadows is doing.”

Started as a podcast in 2020 and registered officially as a charity in July this year, Enlighten the Shadows has online support groups, in-person chats, and a football group. It is supported by Mansfield Town FC, and Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue, and is forming links with the police.

Charity founder Rory Green thanked Dale for ‘the unbelievable amount of work he has put in for Ducklings and Enlighten the Shadows’.