A STAGGERING amount has been raised for the Devon Air Ambulance by members of the Chagford Show committee.

More than 100 members enjoyed the annual dinner at the Fingle Bridge Inn in Drewsteignton and presented a cheque for £2,271.15 to the Devon Air Ambulance Trust.

Each year, the show's committee choose a charity to benefit from funds raised during the show and throughout the year. The 2010 charity was the Devon Air Ambulance, a fitting choice after some members had received help from the vital service.

The president, Vernon Ward, was unable to attend the dinner, but his wife, Mrs Judi Ward, thanked members on his behalf, saying that without their help, the show would not survive.

Bill Savage received the cheque for the Devon Air Ambulance. He thanked members for the generous donation and said: 'In all accidents there is a golden hour. Devon Air Ambulance, with its two helicopters, can reach 90% of the county within minutes. But to maintain this service costs £4-million per year and it is donations which keep the service flying.'

This year the committee has chosen the West of England School for the Blind as its charity. This unique charity and school has provided education and training for the visually impaired since 1838.

Jonny Lentern, chairman, introduced the charity and told the members how they had helped a relative's son, totally blind, become a gardener for a local authority.

This year the show celebrates its 115th year with a spectacular on Thursday August 18, including a spectacular falconry display, as well as the world champion mountain bike team demonstration.