Three charities have each received a £1,000 boost thanks to the fundraising efforts of farmers at the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) Cambs East and West Suffolk branch.

The money was raised from various branch activities during 2016, with the bulk of the money coming from a charity race night.

Branch chairman Andrew Blenkiron, estate director at the Euston Estate, presented the money to Barbara McGee from East Anglian Air Ambulance, Lucy Bellefontaine from the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Fund and Ian Bell of the Addington Fund.

Speaking on behalf of the charities, Ian said: “NFU members do a phenomenal amount for us and we really appreciate your efforts. It makes a real difference.”

During the presentation, Andrew paid tribute to the generosity of farmer Alan Bullen, who had hosted the race night at his farm at Fulbourn in April. He died on Christmas Eve.