By Margaret Crosby

Last updated 15:59, Wednesday, 07 May 2008

THE £5,000 proceeds from a spectacular floral festival involving 22 flower clubs from across Cumbria and the Isle of Man have been donated to the Great North Air Ambulance.

The cheque was presented by David Ryland of Armathwaite, the new chairman of the North West Area of the National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies (NAFAS), and received on behalf of the Air Ambulance service by Lynn Simons.

She was joined at the presentation by her colleague Mandy Drake who spoke about the work of the service and costs involved in keeping it operating.

The money resulted from the Enchantment event held at Mirehouse (near Bassenthwaite) at the end of last year, which attracted 3,500 visitors. Both Whitehaven Flower Arrangement Society and Millom Flower Club were involved.

The North West Area of NAFAS is staging another spectacular Christmas Flower Festival this time at Towneley Hall, Burnley, entitled Noel (December 4-7).

This 14th century historic house is set in 24 acres of woodland and fine gardens.

See www.flowersnorthwest.net for further information.