A BURBAGE business has teamed up with Wiltshire Air Ambulance on an unusual project.

Soft Options Water Softeners Ltd are the sponsors of the charity’s paramedic bear mascot, Wilber.

Since joining WAA’s fundraising team, Wilber has been busy attending fundraising events all over Wiltshire.

Rebecca de la Bedoyere, senior fundraising manager at Wiltshire Air Ambulance, said: “Wilber’s first few weeks have been extremely busy. "From bake sales to school visits and street collections to cheque presentations, he has already attended events all over Wiltshire.

"He is proving very popular with young and old alike, with lots of people wanting to have their photo taken with him.

“Most importantly, he is helping us spread the word about the lifesaving work we do.

"None of it would be possible without Wilber’s sponsors, Soft Options Water Softeners Limited, whose support enabled us to create and produce our mascot.

"Wilber is a great example of how businesses can support charities in their local community in a way that goes beyond giving or raising money.”

Soft Options is a family-run business based near Marlborough. It supplies and installs water softening and drinking water filtration/purification products for domestic and commercial use.

Alison Cook and Simon Neate, directors of Soft Options Water Softeners Ltd, said: “The mascot looks fantastic and we are proud to be sponsoring it. Having lived in Wiltshire all our lives we know of the good work and excellent service provided by Wiltshire Air Ambulance.

"We feel it is such a privilege to work with the charity and give something back to the community.”

Businesses and community groups who are holding fundraising events for WAA and would like Wilber to visit should contact WAA by email at hello@wiltshireairambulance.co.uk or calling the charity team on 01380 739453. Visits by Wilber are subject to his availability.

For more information about Soft Options Water Softeners visit www.soft-options.net