THREE local charities are sharing the benefits of £6,000 donated by Ryedale Lions club.

The money from fundraising activities of the Lions, including the Christmas Santa Sleigh tour, will help Ryedale Special Families, Sight Support Ryedale and the Yorkshire Air Ambulance. Each group received £2,000.

“These are three of the many local charities doing great work to serve our community,” said Lions president Gordon Smith. “The generosity of local people donating money to the Lions means we can help deserving causes like these.”

Ryedale Special Families chief officer Lisa Keenan said the donation would help them organise summer trips and outdoor activities. Kevin Hutchinson, community fundraiser for Yorkshire Air Ambulance, thanked the Ryedale Lions Club and support of the local community.

“Our life-saving service across Yorkshire would not be possible without donations like this,” he said.

Julie Atkinson, service manager at Sight Support Ryedale, said: “This much-appreciated Lions donation will enable us to provide summer excursions, including a Wet Wheels speedboat trip.”