RESIDENT can raise funds for a lifesaving charity service by enjoying a cup of hot chocolate.

Midlands Air Ambulance Charity is urging its supporters to host a themed fundraising event on Thursday, January 31 as part of National Hot Chocolate Day.

The charity is supplying free bags of hot chocolate powder to supporters pledging to take part, from which they can make 50 cups of hot chocolate, and raise funds by selling them for £1.

Sofia Voutianitis, corporate partnerships manager for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity said: “The National Hot Chocolate Day campaign is a simple yet effective way for our supporters to raise funds. It’s a great chance to get together with friends and colleagues and have fun while supporting a worthy cause.”

Richard Ilsley, chief executive officer of the campaign's partner organisation Knighton Foods, added: “We’re very excited to be supporting Midlands Air Ambulance Charity on this campaign, by providing supporters with a free one kilo bag of hot chocolate powder to kick start their fundraising.

"We would encourage other local businesses and community groups to take part and help us to raise lifesaving funds for such an important charity.”

For more information and a free fundraising pack, visit: www.midlandsairambulance.com/hotchocolateday