A RUGBY club has donated money to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and showed off its new first team shirts.

Wensleydale Rugby Union Football Club held a social event before their first XV match against Stanley Rodillians and presented a cheque for £300 to the air ambulance.

Visitors at a recent motorcycle rally at the club raised the money as recompense for use of the facilities and gave it to the club. In the last two seasons, the club has used the services of the air ambulance at least six times.

President Bruce Storr, who made the presentation, said: “We are keen supporters of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and as we often call on them, it is right we give them something.”

The occasion also saw the launch of new first XV shirts sponsored by NMC Copley, of Leyburn. Mr Storr, who is managing director of the firm, joked: “I didn’t take too much persuading to sponsor the first team shirts. However, we do have a number of other sponsors who help keep the club going.”

Shelagh Wright, for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, said: “How wonderful that the Wensleydale Rugby Club gave us a donation. It takes £7,200 per day to keep the service going