THREE of the biggest, boldest characters in TV and film history are starring in a new video designed to launch the mayor of Oldham’s annual charity campaign.

As if by magic, mayor, Cllr Javid Iqbal, transforms into three legends – Mr T, Kojak and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

It’s all in good fun to promote his annual campaign, the Mayor’s 1,000 which aims to encourage 1,000 people or businesses to donate £100 each to raise money for five local charities.

The video can be seen now at https://vimeo.com/290311254.

The mayor’s transformation into three of his favourite big and bold characters came with a little help from family members who took care of his makeup, costumes and wig.

And it’s set to be the first of many light-hearted initiatives across what is bound to be a very lively Mayoral year.

Cllr Iqbal explained: “I wanted to have a bit of fun with my Mayoral year and be big and bold.

“I’m actually quite a sensible person – I work in IT and I’m a local councillor – but I want to make a real effort and a real difference to my charities by raising a big sum of money.

“The best way to do so, I felt, was to have a laugh and lots of fun throughout the year and put on a series of good events.

“So look out for more crazy costumes and a lot of good fun events throughout the year.”

The five charities the Mayor is supporting are:

• MIND – the mental health charity.

• Action Oldham Fund – which supports charitable causes across Oldham with grants.

• Dr Kershaw’s Hospice – which provides specialist palliative care for adults with non-curable, life-limiting illnesses

• Maggie’s Cancer Centre at Royal Oldham Hospital – which provides free practical, emotional and social support to people with cancer and their family and friends

• St Thomas’ Church, Werneth – an Anglican church in the Coppice area of Cllr Iqbal’s Werneth ward which makes an enormous contribution to the local community

To stay connected to the mayor’s charity work throughout the year, just search for ‘MayorJav’ on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and give him a follow or a “like”.

The mayor will be running his own social media accounts and posting regular updates so, if you’ve got a question for him, want to donate or get involved – get in touch now.

You can read more about the Mayor and his work at www.oldham.gov.uk/mayor.