South West rural insurance company Cornish Mutual has raised over £5,000 so far in 2016 as part of a year-long commitment to support the Farming Community Network (FCN) and the region’s Air Ambulance Service.

Each year Cornish Mutual chooses charities on which to focus its fundraising, with the FCN and the Air Ambulances chosen by staff for 2016. The FCN’s network of volunteers provide pastoral and practical support to those in the rural community, helping people to find a positive way forward through their problems.

The money will also go to the Air Ambulance teams in Cornwall, Devon and Dorset & Somerset, which all play a vital role in supporting rural communities who often live and work on land that can be difficult to reach.

The money raised is from an amalgamation of events put on at Cornish Mutual’s head office, as well as collections at various agricultural shows that the company has attended so far this year. Internal initiatives have included everything from dress-down days, treasure hunts, plant stands and cake sales.

Alan Goddard, managing director at Cornish Mutual, said: “This is a great achievement by all the team here at Cornish Mutual. We are very lucky to have a dedicated team who always go out of their way to put on engaging events. I must thank all of our staff who show their support year in, year out for our chosen charities, and also to our Members and those who visit us at shows and events and donate.

“The FCN and the Air Ambulance service are very important charities for the farming community. We are delighted to be working with them this year.”

Last year Cornish Mutual raised over £10,000 for local charity CHICKS, which offers free respite breaks for disadvantaged children in the South West.

People can donate at the Cornish Mutual stand which will be out and about at shows and events across the westcountry throughout the year.

Cornish Mutual has more than 24,000 Members across Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Somerset, and is the only general insurer based in the South West offering insurance to farms, businesses and individuals.