Coast & Country Cottages, the four times British Travel Award winning company, have donated £500 to the Devon Air Ambulance Trust.

The lettings agency decided to donate the money instead of sending out hundreds of Christmas cards to property owners and business contacts this year.

In previous years, the company have made donations to various charities including CHICKS (Country Holidays for Inner City Kids) and Tommy’s who provide vital research into premature birth. This year, the directors Karen and Andrew Jones decided to select a local charity.

The DAAT is an “invaluable” organisation and so “important in this rural community” where nearby major hospitals are an hour or more away, explained Karen. “We are so pleased to be able to help them in their fundraising.”

Penny Clark, Fundraising Communications Officer at DAAT described how proud the organisation were of being independent of Government and National Lottery Funding. However, consequently the charity needs £5.5 million every year to keep the helicopters flying.

She thanked Coast and Country, explaining how “generosity" like this has meant that DAAT have “celebrated 25 years of service” in November of this year and one year of night flying service.

“So every penny you’ve donated will make a difference and well help to save lives” said Penny.

The company have had a very busy year, topped by last months win as the Best Small UK Holiday Cottage Booking Company for the fourth consecutive year at the British Travel Awards.

Andrew Jones added: “We would like to take this opportunity to wish a very Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year to everyone, in particular to all the local businesses we work with throughout the year.”