NEWLY-ELECTED chairman of Hart District Council (HDC) was on cloud nine last month after completing a charity wing-walking event.

Councillor Gerry Crisp, who in May was elected as the new chairman of the council at the authority’s annual general meeting, took to the skies to raise more than £1,000 for local charity Aerobility.

On board the plane, Cllr Crisp saw the sights of Camberley below him, where Aerobility is based.

The charity, which offers disabled people the opportunity to fly an aeroplane, encourages its fliers to think “if I can fly a plane, what else can I do?”.

Cllr Crisp said: “Prior to being elected as chairman of Hart, I held a four-year terms as the Mayor of Yateley. During my time I was made aware of Aerobility and their amazing vision; I may not be able to walk, but you should see me fly.

“I was hugely impressed with an incredible positivity shared by all who are a part of this amazing charity, many with profound disability, blessed with inspirational leadership from their chief executive officer, Mike MillerSmith, who is also a severely disabled quadriplegic.”

He added: “A thank you to each of my sponsors for showing your support for this unique charity, and I now look forward to my role as chairman.”

Cllr Crisp, along with his new cabinet, is working with HDC councillors to choose seven charities to represent the seven towns within the district.

The criteria for the causes is based on them being local and its clients are deemed as vulnerable.

These will then form his chosen charities during his civic year.

If anyone has any ideas for an event to raise money for the chairman’s charities for the year, call Cllr Crisp’s secretary on 01252 774143.