HE HAS undertaken more than 400 engagements and has seen more than £40,000 raised for his Mayor’s Charity Appeal. Little surprise then that retiring mayor of Basingstoke and Deane, Councillor David Leeks, said the past year will be one he will “never forget.”

The Tadley councillor told the council and guests at the mayor-making ceremony: “I have, over the year, met some wonderful people doing many wonderful things for the borough, and without them it would be a sadder place.”

He thanked his wife Amanda, who kept up a full-time job as a midwife but still managed to accompany him on many of his mayoral engagements.

Cllr Leeks spoke about some of the events he had attended since taking office in May 2011, before announcing that £42,000 had been raised for his chosen charities – RadCan, Basingstoke and District Disability Forum, and The Samaritans – Basingstoke.

He then presented Mayor’s Awards to two individuals. The first was to borough arts scene legend David ‘Dai’ Ogborn, who conducted the Basingstoke Male Voice Choir for 28 years, until he stepped down in 2008. Last year, he set up a new choir in Tadley, which now has more than 100 members.

Accepting his award, Mr Ogborn said he had known Cllr Leeks for many years, having previously been his teacher. He told a humorous story about the retiring mayor skiving from school, before adding: “I’m delighted to be receiving this award.”

Mark Jones, who this month celebrates 10 years as editor of The Gazette, was also presen-ted with an award for his work in promoting the town and borough, and for his campaigning.

Cllr Leeks paid tribute to Mr Jones for creating the Basingstoke A Place to be Proud of campaign and his involvement in the subsequent A Place to be Proud of Awards, which have run annually since 2004 and honour local people and organisations. He also listed the many other community initiatives that Mr Jones has been involved in, as well as the community and charity campaigns he has championed as editor.

Mr Jones, who thanked his family and colleagues for their support, said he was “honoured” to accept the award.

He added: “Over the last 10 years, I have had the privilege of doing a job that has allowed me to get involved in the community. It’s a tremendous community, full of so many good people.”

Mr Jones paid tribute to Cllr Leeks and his wife, and told the audience that the first citizens had been “a mayor and mayoress to be proud of”.