Wiltshire Air Ambulance received more than £450,000 in memorium and legacy donations last year, the highest ever.

The figure represents nearly a quarter of income for the charity, which responds to nearly 700 incidents in and around Wiltshire each year.

Every year hundreds of people attending funerals make a donation to the Wiltshire Air Ambulance instead of ordering wreaths and/or bouquets at the request of bereaved families. Many people also chose to leave money in their Will to benefit the charity.

Chief executive David Philpott said:”In Memorium donations are particularly special and we are really grateful to families and their loved ones who give so generously at a very difficult time for them.

"They are beautiful tributes to loved ones and many people are now indicating their support for the fantastic work of the Air Ambulance, through the bequests they make in their wills.

“We are also extremely grateful for the amazing level of support we get from the many funeral directors in Wiltshire, who take care of collecting and passing on the donations to us."