THE Mayor of Kendal has balanced his mayoral duties alongside the increased pressures of his job in care during the pandemic.

Alvin Finch, who earlier this year started his second consecutive term as mayor, has said that although it has been difficult to raise funds for his chosen charities he is having a 'wonderful' second term.

"I've found it difficult to get money into my charities because there aren't as many events we can generate funds from," said Mr Finch.

Mr Finch's chosen charities are Springfield, which provides domestic abuse support to people in South Lakeland, and the Teenage Art Group, run by Space2Create on Kendal’s Aynam Road.

"Things such as my mayor's coffee morning at Christmas we plan on still having that, providing it is safe to do so and the mayor's dinner is on hold," continued Mr Finch.

"We're hoping to hold it in April."

Mr Finch also works as a community support worker at Peat Lane House, which he says has recorded no positive coronavirus cases.

"It's quite a complex job," said Mr Finch.

"We are so proud because we've never had anything here."

Mr Finch's managers have been very supportive in accommodating his mayoral responsibilities.

"It's been wonderful, they've been so accommodating,"said Mr Finch.

The mayor has still been able to work within the community over the past few months.

"I've been as active as I can," he said.

"I never turn anything down.

"I think that's what makes a good mayor and I'd love to do it again next year.

"But I'd rather Covid went away."

Mr Finch's highlight so far as mayor has been visiting Heron Hill School's Bee Club, with the youngsters inspiring him to get four of his own bee hives.

"My bees came from Heron Hill," said Mr Finch.

"The children mentor me."

Recently Mr Finch participated in Kendal's VJ celebrations and launched the setting for this year's torchlight, he also joined in with a production by Kendal Community Theatre.