Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, which has to raise £5 million each year, has had a financial boost of nearly £7,000 thanks to Douch Family Funeral Directors.

Despite the restrictions due to Covid, staff at the group managed to find ways to fundraise for its charity of 2021.

There were raffles, car washing, and some walked the length of a marathon or half marathon, raising funds through sponsorship.

The group also held a quiz night and encouraged schoolchildren to carry out challenges.

Managing director Nick Douch said: “It was a real family affair. Our staff, including some of their friends, family and children, have done a remarkable job raising this amount.

“We run a number of friendship and community groups and they also got involved by making items that we sold.

“It was not hard to motivate ourselves to get involved because we all know what a wonderful service this charity provides.

“We’d encourage other businesses thinking of supporting a charity to consider the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.”

Company chairman Peter Douch also volunteers during the Coast-to-Coast Cycle Challenge that the DSAA runs each year.

With each air ambulance mission costing an estimated £3,000, the charity needs a constant flow of funds.

Emma Jones, DSAA fundraising manager, said: “We are absolutely delighted with this incredible donation.

“The support of companies such as Douch Family Funeral Directors is invaluable to enable us to continue our life saving work and be there for patients that need us.

“Partnerships like this are essential to us and we know how much effort it takes to raise such an amount. Thank you so much to everyone involved for this amazing support.”

Douch Family Funeral Directors has seven branches across East Dorset and the Purbecks.