OUTGOING Thurrock Lions president Brent Allen has told of his pride at the £9,493 the club raised for the community during his term.

The money, collected mainly through garden parties at Mr Allen’s home in Grays, race nights, golf days, and with buckets at fetes throughout the borough, has been split between 28 good causes in the area.

Donations included £200 to the Hector’s Gate Animal Sanctuary in Orsett, which has been taking in horses, ponies, cats, dogs and sheep over the last 15 years- most of which have been rescued.

The club also gave £500 to Macmillan Cancer Support, £500 to Thurrock Youth Football Club, and £300 each to the Callum Branch and Jordan Wright Trusts, both lads are sufferers of cerebral palsy who need a pioneering operation in America.

The £9,493 collected has remained consistent with the totals for the previous two years, despite the recession, something Mr Allen is very proud of.

He said: “People have been very generous.”

Mr Allen said the highlight of his year was when the club toured the borough to collect the donations alongside the annual Christmas Sleigh, complete with Santa, collecting a record £4,472.

He added: “Everyone was saying the recession would mean the amount we collected would go down hugely, but it was actually the biggest amount we’ve ever collected., the kids absolutely love the sleigh.”

Mr Allen, 70, has been president of the club a total of three times now, and says that while he will remain an active member, he is unlikely to be president again.

He said: “ This year has flown by, but I’ve really enjoyed it and I will miss it.”

Thurrock Lion Brian Welsh sang the praises of Mr Allen.

He said: “We’ve had a good year with Brent, he has been a very good president.

“He just has such enthusiasm, and he really gets out there and gets involved.”

Mr Allen hands over his chain to vice-president Colin Peckett at the end of the month.

The club currently has 19 members and is on the lookout for more, if you are over 18 and enjoy getting out and about, contact Mr Allen to discuss membership on 01375 374403.