Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance have been chosen as charity partner by a leading independent brewer.

Independent brewer, Hall & Woodhouse, has announced it has chosen eight local air ambulance charities as its charity partner for the next two years.

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance was chosen to be an equal beneficiary alongside:

  • Devon Air Ambulance Trust
  • Great Western Air Ambulance charity
  • Hampshire and IOW Air Ambulance
  • Kent Surrey Sussex Air Ambulance
  • London's Air Ambulance
  • Thames Valley Air Ambulance
  • Wiltshire Air Ambulance

There are 51 Hall & Woodhouse public houses taking part in supporting the life-saving services, with the aim of raising around £250,000 over the two year period.

This will be achieved through a number of fundraising activities organised by each of the local pubs, such as quiz nights, sponsored events, fun days and sports tournaments.

All money raised will be equally split between each charity, enabling them to fund the cost of missions, to further enhance their operations or purchase new items of specialist equipment.

Lucinda Gray, sixth generation of the Woodhouse family and Hall & Woodhouse charity champion said: "As a company that places community at the heart of our business, supporting worthy causes is very important to Hall & Woodhouse.

"These local air ambulance charities cover the counties where our public houses are located and each of them work tirelessly to care for critically ill or injured patients within our community.

"We are extremely proud to have so many of our public houses backing the campaign and being able to support this wonderful cause.

"Having raised a phenomenal £248,000 for MacMillan in 2013/14 and then in excess of £210,000 for Together with SHort Lives in 2016/18 (final number yet to be confirmed), I know our team and guests will do everything they can to exceed these totals over the next two years."

Tracy Bartram, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance communications manager said: "We are so excited that Hall & Woodhouse have chosen us as their new charity partner.

"The fact that Hall & Woodhouse team members voted to support us, means so much and we believe that this relationship will be very special."

Fundraising will begin in February 2018 and in March, some of the public houses will be taking part in 'The World's Biggest Pub Quiz', an event being led by Pub Aid.

For more information, visit dsairambulance.org.uk or call 01823 669604.