Yorkshire Air Ambulance is reaping the rewards of a charity partnership with Dean’s Garden Centres in York and Scarborough which has raised £26,000.

The seeds of success were sown when staff at the family run business chose Yorkshire Air Ambulance as its charity of the year for 2017.

A range of events and fundraisers took place at Dean’s Scarborough and York centres throughout the year including festive days, bake sales, tombolas, second-hand book stalls, Yellow Yorkshire Day and YAA merchandise sales.

The company’s charity coordinator Laura Dean said: “Dean’s is proud of its roots in the community and we think it’s important to support local charities.

“Every year since 2002, staff nominate a Charity of the Year and we have so far raised over £265,000 for a range of good causes. It is very popular with customers and staff and something we are very proud of.

“We worked very closely with Yorkshire Air Ambulance and there was a lot of support for a charity that anyone could need at any time.”

Dean’s Garden Centre staff visited the rapid response emergency charity’s Air Support Unit at Nostell to hand over their cheque and meet helicopter paramedics and crew.

YAA East Yorkshire Community Fundraiser David Hebden said: “We cannot thank Dean's Garden Centre enough for their hard work and tremendous effort, an outstanding donation that we are truly grateful for.”

Pictured: Deans Garden Centre staff meet Yorkshire Air Ambulance crew and fundraisers during a visit to Nostell Air Support Unit to present their cheque for £26,000.