HARWICH’S mayor and mayoress are inviting residents to a special charity dance to mark their last fundraising event.

Dave McLeod and Dee King have raised about £2,000 for the Mayoress’ Appeal fund, which supports the Alzheimer’ s Society and the Ark Centre in Harwich.

The charity dance takes place on May 7 at Park Pavilion in Harwich, with proceeds going to the appeal fund.

Mr McLeod said: “The job is to promote Harwich and to be on the front line wherever we go – I’ve been lucky enough to be entrusted with that role for five terms. Quite honestly, it is a fantastic job. This is such a community-orientated place with a lot going on and it has been a pleasure to be mayor.

“The town has everything going for it. The people make the place and we have lots of societies and groups who put their energy into doing things which make the town appealing, not to mention all the volunteers who do a wonderful job.”

He added: “We have Myra and Terry performing – a local pair who offer fantastic music for all ages to enjoy. We support a great local cause in the Ark Centre – who support families in need – and in the Alzheimer’s Society , an illness which will eventually affect us all in some way. ”

Dee King also thanked the people of Harwich for their support over the year.

“As an example, it was wonderful when the Electric Palace approached me to ask if they could raise money for the appeal fund,” she said.

“They came to me to put on a film and dinner to raise money, and I applaud them for it.

Tickets for the dance cost £7 and are available on 01255 318825.