Join Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance for a ‘Picnic with Peggy’.

Organisers are inviting members of the public to join them for the special event on July 16.

Set in the beautiful private grounds of Barcroft Hall in South Petherton, it’s set to be a fantastic afternoon of fun for all the family, with live musical performances by a number of artists and bands including: Oska Zaky, The Haus Band, Singsational and Occasional Musique.

You’ll also have the fantastic opportunity to see the charity’s bright yellow helicopter Pegasus, (Peggy), meet members of the crew and learn more about the life-saving work of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

There will be lawn games, a ‘Superhero’ fancy dress competition for children up to 10 years old and a sumptuous tea and cake tent to enjoy!

People can bring their own picnic (no glass or barbecues) or purchase a variety of hot and cold refreshments on the day.

During the afternoon there will be a grand raffle and a silent auction. All the prizes have been donated by local businesses in Dorset and Somerset.

The silent auction prizes also include special gifts from the charity’s ambassadors Jenson Button and Paul Nicholls. Bids for the silent auction can be made on the day, or for those unable to attend, via the charity’s Picnic with Peggy page on their website.

Carrie Cardale, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance fundraising manager, said: “Our thanks go to Tracey and Richard, current owners of Barcroft Hall for their kind generosity in hosting our Picnic with Peggy event; what a beautiful setting it is.

“Our critical care team and helicopter will be based from there on the day which is extremely exciting. Their operational commitments are obviously our priority but having the opportunity to showcase them at this event is amazing. We really hope that people will come and join us, in what is set to be a fantastic afternoon. Our thanks also go to everyone who has donated their gift of time or items to support the event, helping us to raise as much as possible on the day.”

Picnic with Peggy is an outdoor event and will take place between 12.30pm-5.30pm. Tickets cost: Adult (£5), Children 3-16 years (£3) and under-3s are free. These can be purchased via the website: dsairambulance.org.uk/pwp or available on the day.

Unfortunately, due to uneven ground surfaces and steps at Barcroft Hall, wheelchair access is very limited.