THE outgoing mayor of Caerphilly saw more than £14,000 raised for his chosen charity Cancer Research Wales after suffering from the disease himself 21 years ago.

Penmaen councillor John Evans, 67, described his year as mayor as "absolutely fantastic" and said his highlights included visiting around 75 percent of the borough’s schools, meeting local soldiers and watching local talent perform.

Cllr Evans chose Cancer Research because he was diagnosed with skin cancer at the age of 46 and underwent several operations and gruelling radiotherapy.

He still visits hospital every two months for check-ups and takes tablets everyday because his illness damaged his immune system and he is now prone to infection - but considers himself to be one of the lucky survivors.

"I don’t think there’s anyone in the whole of Great Britain who hasn’t been affected by cancer, either themselves or through friends and family, so it’s a very worthwhile cause," he said.

Although he admitted fundraising had been tough in the current economic climate, he said many people in the borough made great efforts to raise money for the charity – including a fashion show, dress down days at schools and auctions of sports memorabilia.

During the year, Cllr Evans also found time to bring pupils into the council chamber to hold their school council meetings.

He taught them about how councils operate and allowed school council chairmen to try on his mayoral chain.

Cllr Evans also met soldiers from the 2nd Battalion The Royal Welsh and was overwhelmed by the talent at the Caerphilly Young Musician of the Year competition.

"It’s been such an honour," he said.

"I’ve made so many marvellous friends and had an absolutely fantastic year."

At the council’s annual general meeting on Thursday, Cllr Evans was replaced as mayor by St Martins councillor James Fussell and Crumlin councillor Vera Jenkins was elected as deputy mayor.