LIFE-saving air ambulance services have received a boost of over a quarter of a million pounds.

A total of £268,365 has been raised for eight air ambulance charities in the past two years.

The money will be split equally between the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, Hampshire and IOW Air Ambulance, Devon Air Ambulance Trust and five other charities.

It was raised by Dorset brewers, Hall & Woodhouse (H&W) as part of its air ambulance charity partnership.

At the start of 2018, H&W team members voted to make eight air ambulance charities their official charity partner until 2020.

Staff raised as much money as possible through fundraising initiatives such as quiz nights, sponsored events, family fun days and challenge events.

The brewery's annual Dorset Beer Festival in June raised £23,000 over the two years

As part of National Air Ambulance week last September every year, more than 30 staff members abseiled down the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth to raise £5,000.

Speaking on behalf of the charities, communications manager at Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, Tracy Bartram said: “It is extremely rare for eight air ambulance charities to have an opportunity to be the beneficiaries of one "Charity of the Year" initiative, which makes the partnership extremely unique.

“Fundraisers embraced our charities whole-heartedly and we have been overwhelmed by their generosity and grateful to the guests who have supported the partnership’s success.

“With the approximate cost of an air ambulance mission being £3,000, this means that in two years the partnership has potentially funded 90 life-saving missions. On behalf of the patients that needs us all, thank you – we are truly grateful.”

Company Charity Champion for the brewery, Lucinda Gray added: “We are absolutely thrilled to have raised such a tremendous amount for eight local air ambulance charities. We set ourselves the ambitious target of raising £250,000 over the two years, but with dedication, kindness and teamwork I am incredibly proud and humbled that our team have smashed this.

“Our houses and the team at the Brewery in Blandford have worked tremendously hard to stay on track of this target and we are grateful for their support. They have enabled us to give back to the local communities in which the air ambulance charities serve. Every penny we raise will allow them to continue saving lives, further enhance their operations, or purchase new items of specialist equipment which could help keep someone alive until they reach hospital.”