FORMER police officer, and Haslemere councillor, John Robini is challenging himself to get back on the beat with some hard labour at each of his three chosen charities in a bid to raise funds for A Place To Be, Hydestile Resident Animals and Skillway.

The mayor of Waverley began his work schedule last Friday, when he put in a shift at A Place To Be, a youth club in Haslemere.

The club started more than 30 years ago and still meets on a Friday night at Shottermill Junior School, providing a place for youngsters to hang out and meet safely.

Here the mayor was occupied with social activities, helping with mindfulness and running the tuck shop.

It was also the club’s sports night, so there was be plenty of action for Cllr Robini to get involved with including football and basketball.

On Monday, the mayor will visit Hydestile Resident Animals – better known as the Hydestile Wildlife Hospital – a sanctuary for rescued wildlife and a busy place that cares for new patients in an emergency when no- one else can help.

But what work will he be doing there?

In a bid to get supporters to give more to his chosen charities, Cllr Robini would like donors to decide what activities he will be carrying out.

Will it be feeding the animals, cleaning their areas, picking up leaves or administering medications?

To cast your vote, visit the mayor’s JustGiving page at https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/waverleymayor2021

Finally, on Wednesday, the mayor will be undertaking a day’s work at Skillway in Godalming.

The charity provides opportunities to help young people who struggle with the academic focus of mainstream education.

Students learn to make wooden projects such as bird boxes as well as metalwork using small hand tools. The mayor will support the students in their hand tool skills plus help with their projects in both woodwork and metalwork.

Councillor Robini said: “I am very aware of the pressures on young people and our wildlife in the post-pandemic, climate- threatened world that is frequently in the news.

“Over the years these three charities have been run by dedicated volunteers who have earned our respect and support.

“In doing this challenge, I hope to raise money and awareness of these fantastic places in Waverley which are increasingly under pressure because of  financial restraints.

“Please help by visiting my JustGiving page – it doesn’t have to be a big donation as every little will help. Thank you.”

To keep up to date with how the mayor is doing in his challenge, follow his blog at https://mayorwaverley.wixsite.com/2021