THE Rotary Club of St Austell Bay has presented cheques for £5,000 each to two charities.

The club welcomed David Earl, representing Cornwall Air Ambulance, and Jane Appleton, of Cornwall Hospice Care, for the cheque presentations by president Paul Hancock.

David said that the £5,000 would cover the cost of one helicopter rescue mission. He also spoke about the fundraising campaign for a second helicopter which is due for delivery in the New Year.

Jane gave examples of the care and understanding which is provided at the hospices run by Cornwall Hospice Care and said that £5,000 equates to 200 hours of nursing care.

The money was raised at the Cornish Alpine Cycle Challenge, in which more than 200 cyclists participated in July, a duck race at River Valley Holiday Park in August and a golf day at St Austell Golf Club in September.

The Rotary club’s next fundraising activity is the Tree of Light in the centre of St Austell, of which the principal beneficiary will be Cornwall Hospice Care.

The Christmas tree with lights in memory of loved ones will be placed at Holy Trinity Church for the 20th year this festive season.

A club spokesperson said: “Each light on the tree is placed there in memory of a loved one who will be especially missed as the rest of the family celebrates Christmas.

“You are invited to dedicate a light and make a donation in memory of a loved one. All the names of those being remembered are included in a book of remembrance which will be on view in the church. The money raised will support Cornwall Hospice Care and other local charities.

“The lights will be switched on following a special family service, with Mount Charles Band, at the church at 6.30pm on Monday, December 9.

“To make a donation (a minimum of £5 for each name remembered) and shine a light in memory of a loved one, you can telephone, using a debit or credit card. Please call Rowett Insurance on 01726 61811 (option 1) and ask for Jane Marshall.”