Monmouthshire Building Society has presented cheques to two Welsh charities, thanks to ongoing savings account partnerships.

Wales Air Ambulance and Sparkle received £11,871.86 and £8059.59 respectively, thanks to society members choosing to support their chosen charity through its Affinity Instant Savings Account partnerships.

Supporters of Wales Air Ambulance and the Sparkle Appeal can open the Affinity Instant Account to build up their savings with a competitive rate of interest.

Each year, MBS will donate to the equivalent of one per cent interest per annum of the daily balance held in their account to the selected charity. The more supporters save, the more money their chosen charity will receive.

Dawn Gunter, MBS' chief operating officer, said: “As a regional building society, it’s important that we actively support our local communities. Without support from the public, Wales Air Ambulance simply couldn’t exist, but the partnership enables supporters of Wales Air Ambulance to help raise extra really easily.

“The society is proud to offer the charity a sustainable financial commitment through our this account and in doing so, we aim to further strengthen their provision of an essential, lifesaving service that stretches across Wales.”

Mark Stevens, Wales Air Ambulances’ fundraising manager, said: “We are extremely grateful for the donation of £11,871.86 made to Wales Air Ambulance. Every year we need to raise £6.5m and with each mission costing on average £1,500 every penny really does count. Since our first mission in 2001 Wales Air Ambulance has helped more than 29,000 people across the country. It’s thanks to the support of the public that we are able to continue our lifesaving work all over Wales.

“This is such a unique way to raise money, the society have really thought out of the box to come up with a great way for their members to support a charity that they care about.”

The Sparkle Appeal provides integrated care for local children and their families, through treatments, therapies, support and advice, and a wide range of family, leisure and social activities, such as family swimming sessions, after school clubs and independent living skills, all from their support centre in Rogerstone, Newport.

Seren Harbon, Sparkle's fundraising and events officer, said: “We are overwhelmed by the £8,050 donation that Sparkle has received. Over the past five years MBS has raised more than £45,000 for the charity. Without the support of the local community, the activities we provide at the Serennu Centre for children and young people with disabilities and/or developmental difficulties would not exist.”