Mayor weighs in for charity battle

Mayor Keith Swift

Rochdale Mayor Councillor Keith Swift has 'weighed-in' for his 'Battle of the Bulge' challenge with local area governor for Lions International, Harry Hawksworth.

With the duo set to receive a plethoria of free food and drink in their roles this year, they decided that they would try to keep off the pounds and raise some money for their respective charities.

Each month the pair will weigh-in to see who puts on the least amount of weight during their 12 months in office.

The pair are now encouraging people to donate to a joint bank account, which has been set up specifically for the challenge. The account for donations is at the Yorkshire Bank, Sort Code 050565, Account Number 38277774.

If Mr Hawksworth wins the challenge the charity money will go to the Brittle Bone Society, while a victory for Rochdale's Mayor will see the money go to his charities, the Back Door Music Project, Rochdale Music Service, and Rochdale Youth Orchestra.

If, somehow, either contender manages to lose weight over the 12 months then the money will be split between the charities.