GOOD causes across Sussex will be given a boost following a major donation to this newspaper's charitable appeal.

Last year's Brighton mayor, Lynda Hyde, raised £20,000 for The Argus appeal during her mayoral year.

She chose the Appeal alongside The Martlets Hospice and Grace Eyre Foundation as her three mayoral charities.

Karl Jones, managing director of Brighton's Moshimo restaurant and a committee member of The Mayor’s Charities, handed the cheque for £20,000 to appeal patron Nicholas Owen and trustee Sue Addis.

BBC journalist Mr Owen, patron of the appeal since 2007, said: "We are enormously grateful to all those who supported the Mayor’s charity events and in turn the charities including The Argus Appeal.

"As so many charities are struggling to make ends meet, every penny is absolutely vital, so thank you."

The money was raised through fundraising events including a dinner at the Royal Pavilion hosted by Mr Jones, with guests including Sir Paul McCartney's ex-wife Heather Mills.

The Argus Appeal exists to help those in need throughout the community by providing funding.

In particular it seeks to help disadvantaged children, the elderly, the vulnerable, people with disabilities, and any other person, group or charity considered by the trustees to be appropriate for funds that will make a difference.

Most of the funds are raised from sponsored events held by the appeal, including an annual three-day cycle ride across the South Downs, a five-day cycle ride from Brighton to Paris, golf tournaments, charity dinners, outdoor fun, fireworks, Christmas concerts and the Santa Bus.

It aims to raise at least £200,000 each year.

Reacting to the £20,000 from the mayor, Elsa Gillio, manager of the Argus Appeal, said: "It is a fantastic amount. Hard work from the mayor's charities committee, councillors and administrators all made a very important contribution to raising such a phenomenal amount of money for good causes.

"Every penny will be well and wisely spent, helping those in real need in our communities - and as we all know, there is no shortage of those."