A GROUP of gamekeepers from the North York Moors have raised more than £21,000 for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance in the last four years.

Jimmy Shuttlewood and his team of gamekeepers have dedicated their time to raising money for the charity, organising events such as clay shoots, auctions, raffles and a couple of swear boxes.

Jimmy recently handed over £3,333.33, on behalf of the North Yorkshire Moors Moorland Organisation (NYMMO), to Tessa Klemz of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Tessa said: “The Yorkshire Air Ambulance provides a vital service to the rural communities and we rely on the generosity of individuals and organisations to help us save lives across the whole of Yorkshire.

“We are an independent charity so in order to keep both of our air ambulances in the air we need to raise £12,000 per day, which is the equivalent of £4.4 million every year.

“Gamekeepers are extremely busy and for them to take the time out of their busy schedules to organise fundraising events to help our cause shows true community spirit.”

Since NYMMO’s inception in December 2015, the Yorkshire Air Ambulance has been one of the main beneficiary for charity events organised by the group.

Tina Brough, coordinator of NYMMO, said: “Led by Jimmy, our team of gamekeepers from estates across the North York Moors have enjoyed organising many fun events to help raise essential funds for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.”