New Ashby Mayor Murrae Blair-Park, who represents the Money Hill ward of Ashby, has chosen his charity and main focus for his year in the role.

Cllr Murrae Blair-Park sat down with Nub News on Friday 19 June to discuss his plans for his year as Mayor, as well as his chosen charity and what he hopes to bring to the role.

Since being chosen as the newest Mayor of Ashby, Murrae has chosen Bright Hope as his chosen charity, inspired by the incredible work the organisation does in North West Leicestershire.

Bright Hope is a charity based in Coalville that offers vital non-clinical car and support for individuals with life-limiting conditions, including providing day care, counselling, support cafes, befriending services, bereavement support and other services to assist local people improve their physical and mental health.

These services do not receive any government or NHS funding and need constant support from local people and organisations to operate.

Bright Hope are currently looking for new trustees and volunteers that can 'donate' skills, such as accountancy and HR, to help the charity continue to operate.

Murrae is also focussing on promoting sports for over 50s and showcasing some of the fantastic options Ashby has to offer, including already meeting with Ashby's Walking Netball Club.

During his time as Mayor, Murrae also hopes to celebrate the local people who give back thanklessly to the community, highlighting the 'silent volunteers' that work hard behind the scenes that are often aren't thanked or shown much appreciated.

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'I am very keen to recognise our community heroes, for their contributions to our town.

'There are so many people around Ashby that do so much.'

With his Community Recognition Award, Murrae hopes to shine a light on individuals that are giving back to the Ashby community and celebrate their hard work and dedication.

In a statement shared when he was named as the new Mayor on 20 May, Murrae said: 'I intend it to be a year of celebration of the hard work the community puts in to make our Town special, not doubting there is plenty that can be done to make Ashby even better and that work continues, but let's not forget the army of volunteers who give their time.'