Just hours after being re-elected as Sutton Coldfield’s member of parliament, I was delighted to be able to get straight back to the job at an important annual event.

Each year the Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust – which has been supporting local people and organisations since Tudor times – holds an annual reception at its Lingard House base in Walmley.

The Chair’s Reception provides an opportunity to review the Trust’s important work over the previous 12 months, as well as looking ahead.

So, I was delighted to join chair Keith Dudley, CEO Tina Swani, trustees, partners and team members to hear about some of the brilliant things the Trust has done over the last year, during which it handed out more than a million pounds in grants.

Work included everything from helping to fund a UK-first disabled golf green at Walmley Golf Club to helping local families with the cost of school uniforms.

The Trust is an invaluable part of Sutton life, and we are so lucky to have it. In my first job after being re-elected, I told the trustees about the huge amount of funding that is heading into the Royal Town; to the town centre, town hall and Cottage Hospital, as well as the ambitions we all share to safeguard the future of Sutton Park.

I believe that, as we approach the 500th anniversary of Sutton’s Royal Charter, the Trust has an important role to play in what could be something of a renaissance for the town.