AN ADVENTURE playground, schemes for disabled children, and a mechanics project will all receive a funding boost from the new Lord Mayor of Oxford.

On Monday, Rae Humberstone, who is taking over the role from Mohammed Abbasi, announced the charities he will raise funds for during his term.

He chose the Blackbird Leys Adventure Playground, the Parasol Project in North Oxford, and the Woodstock Road-based TRAX project.

Following his inauguration Mr Humberstone said: “The common theme between all my chosen charities is that they help young people.

“Blackbird Leys Adventure Playground I chose because I am a Blackbird Leys councillor, and I wanted a charity that would be very local.

“Parasol Project does fantastic work integrating special needs children through playschemes and TRAX provides training and support to youngsters who struggled in school.

“All three do incredibly valuable work to help the young people of Oxford, and I am proud that my time as Lord Mayor will help them.”

The Blackbird Leys Adventure Playground was reopened in 2012, after a two-year closure and now caters for up to 40 children in its after-school sessions, which cost £1.50.

Most of those attending come from the Orchard Meadow, Pegasus and Windale primary schools.

Play leader Joey Phillips said: “We are very happy that Rae has chosen us as one of his three charities. It recognises the work that BLAP has been doing on the estate.”

Cash will be raised through ticket sales and donations at the Christmas Carol Concert and the Lord Mayor’s charity dinner, alongside other efforts during the year.

This forms the second part of a windfall for the adventure playground, which has also just received a further £10,000 in funding from Children in Need, to be spent on increasing the number of paid staff.

Secretary Sue Price said: “It will be really welcome money. We work very well with volunteers but it would be useful to have another member of staff.

“Rae has shown a real interest; he came to our AGM last July. He’s there at parish council meetings, and he’s caring and wants to help.

“It can be hard work to get funding, but it’s worth it for the kids.”

Staff at the Parasol Project, which offers activities to youngsters aged 5 to 19, said they felt “really lucky” to have secured the Lord Mayor’s backing.

Office manager Emma-Jane Greig said: “We are really pleased; it’s an incredible recognition.

“Funding will help provide inclusive opportunities for disabled and non-disabled young people.

“One of the fantastic things about the charity is that it’s inclusive, and a great experience. We are really lucky to have got some funding to continue the good work.”

Formerly the Sheriff of Oxford, Mr Humberstone represents Blackbird Leys on the city council and sits on Blackbird Leys Parish Council.

He added that his choices had been a tribute to former city councillor Val Smith, who passed away last Friday. He said: “Val Smith was very people-orientated. I hope this would be something she would approve of.”