Senior Brent councillors became the first council Cabinet in the UK to take part in the world-wide social-media phenomenon ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.

Cllrs Muhammed Butt, leader of the council, Michael Pavey, James Denselow, and Roxanne Mashari were drenched in freezing water outside the Brent Civic Centre, in Engineers Way, yesterday (September 1).

The challenge is aimed at raising money for sufferers of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known motor neurone disease, and the (MND) Association.

Cllr Butt said: “The Ice Bucket Challenge has become a world-wide phenomenon and I am proud that my cabinet colleagues were up for the challenge.

“Caring for the most vulnerable in society is the top priority for this council and while, it was a fun and exhilarating thing to be a part of, we should remember that this is all designed to raise awareness of a hugely deserving cause.”

In accordance to the challenge’s format, the leader thanked fellow Cabinet member Cllr Krupesh Hirani, lead member for adults, health and wellbeing for the group’s nomination.

The four councillors then offered their list of nominations -including Eric Pickles MP, secretary of state for communities and local government and the Times’ very own Lorraine King.

The challenge started earlier this summer in America before going viral across the globe, with the likes of David Beckham, Justin Timberlake and Steven Gerrard taking part.

The initiative has so far raised £4.5m in the UK, and around nearly $100m (£56m) in the US.

Douglas Graham, director of fundraising for the MND Association said: “It’s fantastic that Brent Council has done the Ice Bucket Challenge for the MND Association. A massive thank you to them and everyone else who has got cold and wet for us so far.

To donate, visit: www.mndassociation.org or text ICED55 (with amount of your donation).