A FAMILY-firm's charity open day has raised more than £2,000 in donations for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

On Sunday, July 28, thousands of people from across North Yorkshire attended the Fun-Day at a branch of the horticultural and garden centre firm, Sam Turner & Sons in support of the independent charity.

The Yorkshire Air Ambulance, which has two helicopters that operate from RAF Topcliffe, near Thirsk and the Nostell Priory Estate, near Wakefield, said it required to raise about £12,000 per day to keep the service operational.

At the event, which was held at the firm's Northallerton branch in North Yorkshire, children and adults of all ages took part in a BBQ, hog roast, family activities, raffles, tombolas and face painting, while farmyard animals were on display.

Darlington and Stockton Times:

Likened to a miniature version of The Great Yorkshire Show, which took place in Harrogate earlier this year, Sam Turner and Sons' staff arranged for the display of Birds of Prey, Alpacas, Shetland Pony's, Calves, Chickens, ferrets and guide dogs.

In it's fifth year running and fundraising, event organisers relied on good weather to attract thousands of potential donors.

Charlie Turner, director at Sam Turner & Sons, said: "Initially we were a little apprehensive due to the weather forecast, but the turnout really surpassed our expectations in the end."

Darlington and Stockton Times:

Mr Turner added: "Luckily the day remained dry and we've been blown away by the positive comments we've received so far.

"It was our biggest event to date and we are very grateful to all of those that attended and supported us in raising money for the fantastic Yorkshire Air Ambulance."

Sam Turner & Sons, which has other branches in Piercebridge, Stokesley and Leyburn, is known for supplying and selling farm and garden equipment, country clothing and machinery.

Jill Pattison, store manager at Sam Turner & Sons Northallerton, said the event would be back.

She said: "Each year it's got bigger and bigger.

"Last year we got rained off, but previous years have been busy – we have had similar numbers, but this year we had more going on."

Ms Pattison, who called the 'Sammie's Fun Day' fundraiser a "success", said the firm had plans to bring the event back for a sixth year.

She said: "It looks like we will be back.

"When you start something, you just can't stop."

Towards the end of July, the Yorkshire Air Ambulance flew to the aid of a 28-year-old man who suffered serious injuries after jumping into the River Swale in Richmondshire.

The man, who sustained head injuries, reportedly hit his head as he jumped from Richmond Falls during a spell of hot weather.

The incident prompted North Yorkshire Police to issue warnings and guidance to those thinking about jumping into shallow rivers across the county.