Since May, the Mayor of Halton, Councillor Kevan Wainwright, and his wife Andrea have been actively raising funds to aid the borough's 'left behind' young people.

The initiative aims to help these individuals overcome obstacles to higher education and vocational apprenticeships.

So far, they have successfully granted awards to three young people in Halton, assisting them in continuing their higher education studies.

The mayor said: "In Halton, we have young people who are keen to make the most of their careers but may need a little help to overcome financial barriers.

"We are delighted to have awarded bursaries so far for transport costs and different types of electronic equipment to our applicants to help them with their studies."

The couple is now broadening the scope of their initiative to include applications for suitable footwear and clothing for young people with upcoming important interviews.

This could be for intern positions, apprenticeships, or university places.

The mayor believes that feeling confidently dressed can make a difference in these situations.

Over the last five months, the mayor and his wife have engaged with many community members and received a positive response to their efforts.

They are pleased with the progress they have made so far.

The mayor said: "The 'left behind' neighbourhoods are very real and we need to do some levelling up within our own borough.

"We are determined to make our mayoral year count by working to reduce the disparities in opportunities faced by young people growing up here."

He believes that offering help to those in challenging situations, who might not otherwise reach their full educational or career potential, is a chance for change for the entire community.

The fundraising programme, set up within the Halton Foundation, is managed by the Community Foundations for Lancashire and Merseyside, an independent charity that promotes local giving.

Bursaries are awarded to prospective students and apprentices to help cover costs related to their education.

The mayor added: "We have also received help from a number of local employers who have donated to our fund, and would like to thank them all for their generosity."

The couple is continuing to host fundraising events, with some new additions to the usual mayoral calendar.

They are excited about their upcoming 'Wellness in Widnes' day on November 17, which will feature over 40 stallholders, all local businesses involved in mind, body, and spirit goods and services.

The mayoress said: "By hosting a wellbeing event at the stadium, not only are we giving small local businesses a platform to promote and sell their goods and services to a wider audience, helping our current local businesses, but we are promoting the importance of wellbeing at a time when life is busy and demanding.

"Furthermore, all proceeds that we raise from the event, from the sale of coffee and cake and our raffle, will boost the funds in the Mayor’s Charity pot for future young talent - a proper win-win-win."

The couple is also organising other events to involve as many members of the community as possible, including an ABBA Tribute Christmas Night, Cheese and Wine, and a Women in Business Conference.

They welcome any organisations interested in supporting their cause.

The mayor said: "We have opportunities for sponsorship, exhibitor spots, or simply buying a table to an event and bringing along your friends, family, clients or work colleagues."

The 'Wellness in Widnes; Mind, Body and Spirit Event' will take place at the DCBL Stadium in Widnes on Sunday, November 17, from 10.30am.

Everyone is invited to attend.

For further details of this or any other mayoral fundraiser, visit their website.