Representatives from more than a dozen charities were at City Hall yesterday for a special event to celebrate £1 million raised for good causes in Bradford since the millennium.

They were joined by volunteers, businesses, community groups and individuals who have helped raise the funds during the last ten years for The Lord Mayor’s Appeal.

Charities that have benefited from the annual civic appeal include Marie Curie, The Prince’s Trust, Born in Bradford, the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, Manorlands Hospice and the Bradford Burns Unit.

The event, which gave participants the chance to hear how the funds had been used, also included awareness stalls for 12 of the charities in Centenary Square.

Bradford’s current Lord Mayor, Councillor Peter Hill, who has chosen to raise money for a new outdoor play area at the Nell Bank Centre in Ilkley, said: “We have been superbly supported by our fundraisers, our officers, and the local community over the last ten years to raise a million pounds for many deserving and worthwhile charities.

“Most of all, as this year’s Lord Mayor, I would like to give heartfelt thanks to the people of Bradford. Without you, this total would not have been achieved.

“Your generosity, your kindness, year after year, is a wonderful achievement of which our community can be justifiably proud. Thanks a million.”

At the event was Nicky de Whytell, West Yorkshire development officer for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, which received £50,000 from the appeal in 2006.

She said: “Since the appeal boosted our coffers by £50,000, we have purchased a second helicopter, which we are very proud of. We are an independent charity and need to raise £2.6 million each year to keep both of our helicopters flying across Yorkshire. The money was a great boost to our fundraising target that year. We are very grateful for the Lord Mayor’s involvement.”

Adele Wilkin, of Thackley, a volunteer for Marie Curie, who was also at the event, said: “The money will have gone to the charity’s hospice in Bradford. My mother’s a patient there and it’s very valuable for her.”