A GRAND total of £572 was raised by South Hams District and West Devon Borough Council staff for Devon Air Ambulance in the run up to Christmas.

The money was raised when staff joined in with a Christmas hamper raffle.

There were five hampers provided by the Staff Forum, each one for staff at different council sites, including; Follaton House, Kilworthy Park, the Dartmouth Lower Ferry, Salcombe Harbour and one shared between the Ivybridge, Totnes and Torr depot staff.

A representative from the Councils’ Staff Forum said: “Devon Air Ambulance is such a wonderful charity that helps so many people and you never know if you will need to call on it one day.  One member of staff has had to use them before and he said they were fantastic.  It’s a great charity to support and we’re delighted to be able to present our donation to them.

“It’s really important to the Staff Forum to raise money for local charities.  We always make sure that money comes back to our local communities and if a national charity, that support will be available locally.

“We’re all passionate about creating fun, healthy and all-encompassing events for the staff, but ones that always benefit our locality.  We’re delighted to be presenting £510 now with a further £62 to follow on shortly.”

Devon Air Ambulance’s Fundraising and Communications Director Caroline Creer, said: “We would like to thank the staff of South Hams District and West Devon Borough Council for choosing to support us. It really does mean a great deal.”

She added “It is only through donations just like this one that Devon’s two Air Ambulances are able to continue to fly.  We are now able to fly up until midnight.”

Each year the Staff Forum chooses charities to support during the year.  This year, in addition to Devon Air Ambulance, the generous staff supported Crohns and Colitis raising £214, Stand up for Cancer received £112 and Children in Need had £123.42 donated.