New Boston Borough mayor – who lives in Sutterton and grew up in Donington and Kirton – to support charity which helped his homeless grandfather

Two charities will benefit from a new mayor’s year in office – including one which supported his homeless grandfather many years ago.

Coun David Brown, who lives in Sutterton and spent his childhood in Donington and Kirton, became the 488th Mayor of the Borough of Boston at the council’s AGM last month.

He has named the RNLI and the Salvation Army as his chosen charities for the next 12 months.

The Salvation Army is particularly close to the 65-year-old’s heart as the charity supported his grandfather when he became homeless at just 12 years of age.

Coun Brown was elected to represent the Five Villages Ward (Sutterton, Algarkirk, Fosdyke, Wigtoft, Bicker) on the council at last month’s elections, having previously served for eight years before taking a break.

“It is a great privilege and I’m really looking forward to visiting the many organisations and people who do great work for the benefit of the Borough,” Coun Brown said.

“I want to see the town prosper and I will be encouraging greater integration across communities.

“There is a lot to be proud of in Boston and we all have a part to play in promoting the town and speaking positively about the many great things which take place here and the people that make the town what it is.”

Coun Brown was born in Donington on his family’s farm. His father, Charles ‘Fred’ Brown, sold the farm the following year and the family then moved to London Road in Kirton.

His father sadly died when Coun Brown was just nine years old, leaving his mother Mavis to raise six children alone.

Coun Brown earned money in factories and delivering newspapers as a youngster before becoming general manager at The Merry Monk in Kirton before working as an HGV driving instructor.

A Mayor making ceremony will take place on July 10 and Coun Brown’s sister Linda Favell will be appointed to serve as Mayoress.

A Mayor’s Scout and Mayoress’ Guide will also be elected for the year, as per tradition.