A charity that supports families with young children in the borough will benefit from additional funds for the next year.

New mayor of Elmbridge, Councillor Barry Fairbank, announced Home-Start Elmbridge would be his charity for the year at the annual meeting of the council on Wednesday, June 4.

Home-Start Elmbridge recruits and trains parent volunteers to offer emotional and practical support to families in their own homes, often stopping a family from reaching crisis point.

Representing Long Ditton, Coun Fairbank has been involved with the charity for several years and wanted to offer more support through fundraising during his mayoral year.

Coun Fairbank said: "As the mayor of Elmbridge for 2014/15, I am pleased to launch my charity appeal on behalf of Home-Start Elmbridge.

"One of the aims of the fundraising for my mayoral year is to be able to train more volunteers to give their help and support to the many families, with a child under five, experiencing difficulties."

Previous charities for mayoral years include Riding for the Disabled and Princess Alice Hospice.