NATIONAL potato supplier Branston has topped off fundraising for its charities of the year with donations at each of its three sites, including the one based in Seavington St Mary's.

Branston South West raised a total of £1,819 for the Somerset and Dorset Air Ambulance with various activities throughout the year.

Simon Telfer, HR director at Branston, said: “We’re dedicated to assisting our local communities in everything we do, not just through charitable causes but via local sponsorships of Lincoln City FC, our involvement in the annual Lincolnshire Show, and educational activities with the Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF).

“Cake sales, raffles, and sporting sweepstakes were undertaken at our Lincoln site, with the highlight of the year being the Spring Fling, held at Lincoln City FC LNER Stadium.

“This combined a staff charity football match with a family fun day, followed by a party whereby we raised funds through a tombola, tuck shop, and raffle.”

Kevin Imrie, general manager of Branston’s Scotland site, said: “Our team has done everything from selling baked potatoes during lunchtimes to organising staff raffles and fundraising games.

“We encourage our staff to participate in every opportunity to support our chosen causes, with our teams firmly rooted in their community and our continued commitment to supporting the health and welfare of those around us.”

For the year ahead, Branston has announced that it will be fundraising for Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), at a cost of approximately £1,400 per defibrillator, which they will look to donate to local community groups including sports clubs in a bid to enhance the safety and healthy lifestyles of the public.

Local groups will be able to apply for one of the defibrillators, and the Lincoln Branston site will be working with Lincolnshire-based charity LIVES, to support its outreach to groups who need it most.

LIVES provides emergency care in critical situations and works with communities to ensure that any individual who suffers a 999 medical emergency in Lincolnshire is surrounded by the best rapid-response care available.

Simon Telfer added: “Having AED’s available for local community clubs gives us the reassurance that if anyone suffers a sudden cardiac arrest, they have a much better chance of survival.

“This portable equipment is crucial to have available in certain locations whereby fatal events could be more prominent, such as local sporting organisations and we are happy to be doing our bit to support the cause.”