A CHARITY gala dinner has raised £20,000 to support the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

The event saw 100 guests in attendance to mark the 24th anniversary of the service, which has its headquarters based in Wellington.

Singer Tamsyn Berry, who suffered life-changing injuries as a result of a road traffic accident and was helped by the Air Ambulance, performed for guests as they arrived.

DSAA’s Fundraising Manager, Emma Jones, said she was ‘delighted’ by the result. Commenting, she said: “What a beautiful evening we had. My team worked so hard to make it special for those who attended and it really was.”

The fundraising was boosted by a ‘dramatic bidding display’ overseen by auctioneer William Batt who brought the hammer down on a number of special gifts which had been donated for auction.

Emma added: “I want to thank everyone who made the event happen for us, including our event sponsors Leonardo Helicopters and LFS, the many businesses who show their ongoing support regularly and attended the night, of course the wonderful Tamsyn Berry.

“She has inspired us all with her amazing determination and recovery, all those who donated raffle and auction prizes and everyone who played their part, be it small or large, in helping us to raise such a fantastic amount.

“We are now looking ahead to next year; our very special 25th Anniversary and our plans are bigger and better. We can’t wait to share them with you all.”