A rural mutual insurance organisation has helped raise thousands of pounds for community groups and charities.

The NFU Mutual Wessex has been sponsoring a series of charity and community events in the region throughout the year.

The organisation sponsored events both in Dorset and in Wiltshire, helping them raise more than £25,000. The NFU Mutual is due to sponsor a further four events later in the year.

Steven Bartlett, Senior Agent at NFU Mutual Wessex, said: "NFU Mutual Wessex has long been a supporter of a number of community and charity events in our local south Wiltshire and Dorset areas. Many of these events would not have been able to take place without our support, and it’s been fantastic to enable charities to raise crucial funds for their causes. We are very proud to be part of the local community, and to have been able to make a difference while bringing people together in fun environments."

One event that the NFU Mutual Wessex sponsored was the Wareham and Purbeck YFC Dorset Ploughing Match.

This event raised £2,000 for Dorset Air Ambulance and Poole Cancer Ward.

The YFC (Young Farmers Club) is an organisation that aims to help support young people in the world of agriculture and farming.

Other events that were helped by the NFU Mutual's sponsorship included Rymers Tractor Rally in Wimborne St Giles, which raised more than £5,000 for Wessex Heartbeat and Bournemouth Hospital Charity.

They also sponsored a family music event called 'The Big Session' in Sixpenny Handley, which raised £3,600 for the community, and the Church Knowle Food Fayre.

In addition to the events in Dorset, the NFU Mutual also offered its support to the River Bourne Community Farm 'Live@theFarm' family music festival and the Farley Music Festival, both near Salisbury.

NFU Mutual is an organisation that offers insurance to members of the farming and rural communities.

On its website, a spokesman said: "Supporting our communities is very important to us. We’re committed to helping protect the environment, championing rural communities through events and initiatives, and continuing to offer the best care possible for you, our members."