THE Royal Exchange pub in Lindford has reached its first fundraising goal, generating more than £10,000 for its charity of the year.

It hit this three-year target in less than two years and can now provide funds for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance.

“We’re thrilled to have exceeded our goal of £10,000 for this incredible cause and thank all our customers who have helped us to achieve this,” said pub manager Alex Freeman.

“The service is well recognised in our community and we want to continue helping in any way we can.”

The £10,000 was generated through fundraising initiatives, including the Red Mist Leisure annual charity challenge in 2017, which saw staff climb the three highest peaks in the UK.

Further donations were made from the pub’s monthly business-networking event (the Bordon Business Exchange) and from sales of Red Mist Ale. For the past two years, 20p from every pint sold in The Royal Exchange was donated to the air ambulance and customers have also donated spare change.

Red Mist Leisure director Julian Clarke, Mr Freeman and members of the pub team visited the air ambulance airbase (pictured), in Southampton, with the charity’s partnerships manager Ray Southam.

“I’m delighted that we have achieved our three-year fundraising goal in under two years, with fantastic support from all our customers and supporters,” Mr Clarke added.

“Our fundraising efforts will continue, and we hope to be a regular contributor to this important charity, which really can make the difference between life and death.”