A Reigate-based group held a Christmas fair of goods from around the world to raise almost £2,000 for the Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance charity.

Members of the International Women’s Club displayed their arts, crafts and local produce at the annual fundraising event at Reigate Park Church.

The stalls included cakes, Christmas decorations and flower arrangements from countries such as Greece, Denmark and Iran.

In total, the club members raised £1,900 for the Air Ambulance, which last month officially launched its night flying service from the nearby helicopter base at Redhill.

Club treasurer Meta Leslie said: “The International Women’s Club is proud to have been associated with the air ambulance and is grateful for all the support for the Christmas fair. “We are very pleased to have raised such a large sum.”

The club chose to support the charity after a presentation about the emergency service, and handed over its fundraising cheque to volunteers Beryl and Leslie Smith. Leslie was flown to the Royal London Hospital following a cycling accident, but has since made a full recovery. The International Women’s Club was founded in 1964 and celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. The group meets every fortnight at members’ homes and holds a Christmas Craft Fair every November.

The Air Ambulance service in Kent, Surrey and Sussex costs around £6million a year to stay airborne. Receiving no funding from the National Lottery, the charity relies almost entirely upon the generosity of the public to support its two helicopters based at Redhill and Marden in Kent.

For more details call 01622 833833 or visit the charity's website at: www.kssairambulance.org.uk