Thousands of pounds have been raised for charities helping to tackle the cost-of-living crisis.

The announcement comes as the winner of Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor’s Christmas card competition has been revealed.

Watford-man Neil Sturgess’ photograph of the Watford sign lit up has been placed on a Christmas card that Mr Taylor will send out.

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Businesses in the area sponsored the card and £9,500 was raised for Home Start Watford and Citizen’s Advice Watford.

Mr Taylor said: “We were very impressed by the photographs submitted to the competition and had a tough task deciding on the winner. 

“However, Neil’s photographer caught our attention and wonderfully celebrates one of Watford’s most notable attractions.

“The money raised this year is especially vital given the ongoing cost of living emergency.

“Both Home Start Watford and Citizen’s Advice Watford play a vital part in supporting residents and deserve assistance during these tough times.”

Watford Observer: Neil Sturgess' photograph on this year's Christmas card. Neil Sturgess' photograph on this year's Christmas card. (Image: Neil Sturgess' photograph (picture: Watford Borough Council))

The Christmas card competition, called Watford at Christmas, was launched in November to anyone who lived in Watford.

Photographs had to be of the borough and could be of photos taken in previous years or imaginative new designs to reflect the festive season this year.

Home Start Watford CEO Sophie Linington said the charity was pleased to be one of the recipients of the money raised.

She added: “This is a particularly difficult time for the families we support, with a lot of the challenges they face being heightened by the current cost of living crisis.

“The funds from the card will enable us to continue to offer our support and services in the New Year, but also bring some much-needed Christmas cheer in the run up to the festive period.”

Watford Observer: Sophie Linington, CEO of Home Start Watford (second from left), Emma Burgham, chief officer of Citizens Advice Watford (fourth from left), Neil Sturgess (second from right) and Peter Taylor (far right). Sophie Linington, CEO of Home Start Watford (second from left), Emma Burgham, chief officer of Citizens Advice Watford (fourth from left), Neil Sturgess (second from right) and Peter Taylor (far right). (Image: Watford Borough Council)

Citizens Advice Watford chief officer Emma Burgham thanked the “generosity of the sponsors”.

Ms Burgham added: “Their support will help us give more people in our community the help they need to find a way forward with the problems they’re facing.

“For many struggling in the current cost of living crisis, our free, independent advice service is the only place they have to turn to.” 

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