A charitable trust set up by a farmer to help villages and towns in the old North Riding of Yorkshire area has reached a remarkable milestone of giving more than £500,000 to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA).

The Jack Brunton Charitable Trust was set up in 1986 by the late farmer, who was born in Nunthorpe and built up the family business, including buying more than 2,800 acres of land in Bilsdale.

The first contribution to the YAA was £16,000 towards a snow plough at the charity's Topcliffe airbase in 2012. Mike Harrop, YAA chairman, said that contribution marked the beginning of a longstanding relationship that has positively impacted countless lives.

He added: “The Jack Brunton Charitable Trust is an incredible partner and a driving force behind our ability to deliver life-saving care to those in urgent need. Their unwavering commitment and generosity have had a profound impact on our charity, and we are humbled to have their continued support.

"This milestone of £500,000 in donations is a testament to the trust's dedication to our mission and the communities we serve. We look forward to many more years of collaboration and life-saving efforts together.”

The YAA said the trust had made essential contributions, ensuring its continued operation with crucial helicopter support equipment for the Topcliffe airbase, as well as contributions towards other operational advancements.

Most recently, the trust had helped pay for eight Technical Crew Member flight helmets, and provided £20,000 towards a new stretcher system, as well as undertaking continuous support for YAA core operational costs.

The charity has previously presented the trust with the prestigious Grants and Trusts YAA Recognition Award in 2017 and 2022, and as a gesture of gratitude has proudly adorned its fleet of helicopters with the trust's logo since 2018.

Derek Noble, chair of The Jack Brunton Charitable Trust, said: "We are immensely proud to reach this remarkable milestone of £500,000 in donations to Yorkshire Air Ambulance. Our trust has always been committed to making a difference in the lives of those in need, and we are honoured to support the exceptional work of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance in saving lives and serving our region. We look forward to continuing our partnership and making a positive impact together."

A presentation to mark the £500,000 was held with the trustees of The Jack Brunton Charitable Trust, including Derek Noble, James Lumb, David Swallow, Andrew Dickins, and administrator, Margaret Culley, with a framed certificate and a special cake featuring an Ayrshire cow in honour of Jack Brunton's roots as an Ayrshire cattle farmer.