MORE than £7,000 has been raised for charities in the borough by this year s outgoing Speaker of Hackney, Cllr Ian Rathbone.

Cllr Rathbone gave cheques of £1,500 each to The Hackney Society, the Laburnum Boat Club and the Strengthening Families, Strengthening Communities project, his chosen three charities during his year in office (2008/09). A further £2,585 was raised by council officers and friends which went directly to the Laburnum Boat Club.

The presentation took place in the Speaker’s Parlour of Hackney Town Hall on 8 May.

Cllr Rathbone said: "This year I wanted to support smaller Hackney-based charities which have problems in raising funds from elsewhere, particularly now there is a recession. I hope I will give these three worthwhile groups an extra push towards achieving their aims for local people this year.’

The total amount for Cllr Rathbone’s chosen charities during his year as Speaker of Hackney was raised by a variety of means, including direct donations from residents, businesses and council staff, and fundraising events such as the annual Speaker’s Quiz, collections at the civic and carol services, and various festivals.

The next Speaker of Hackney, for 2009/10, will be elected at the Council s Annual General Meeting, to be held in Hackney Town Hall on 13 May.