The new mayor of St Neots officially opened a new car boot sale - the first of many fundraising events he will attend throughout his mayoral year.

Cllr Derek Giles has named the charities he will support over the next 12 months, as Eaton Socon Pre-school’s New Building Fund, Small Steps, the Saints Boxing Club and the Steve van de Kerkhove Cancer Research Project.

On Saturday, he opened the Mayor’s Car Boot and Tombola stall, with help from fellow St Neots councillor Jeanette Smith, as the stall will be part of the weekly car boot sale on Milk Field.

Cllr Smith organises the weekly sale, which is free for registered charities to raise money for their organisations.

Cllr Smith said: “We welcome all charities to have a stall each week throughout the summer either selling their wares or having games and attractions to take part in. The mayor’s stall fits in with our ideas very well. The pitches are free but we do ask for a small donation to cover insurance costs.”

Cllr Giles added: “I welcome the opportunity for my helpers and me to take part and if any readers have items that could be sold or put up as tombola prizes, then please bring them along.”

Cllr Giles has also accepted boxing equipment from the Tesco Community project for the newly formed Saints Boxing Club in Little End Road in Eaton Socon.

Supported by Cambridgeshire police as part of the Police Community Involvement Scheme, the project aims to channel young boys and girls to take up a sport.

“The Saints Boxing Club is one of my chosen charities this year, so I am especially grateful for the support that is forthcoming from the business’s in our area. The club is already attracting members from a wide area and is teaching youngsters so many life skills.”

INFO: The car boot is open from 10am until 2pm on Saturdays at Milk Field which is part of St Neots Common.

INFO: Derek Giles 01480 731321.