Friends of a man who died earlier this year have remembered him by raising thousands of pounds to keep an air ambulance flying.

Peter Bywaters, 61, from Wantage, died suddenly from a heart attack while on holiday with his wife and friends in Wales in July. Paramedics from the Wales Air Ambulance tried to save him.

Last week, friends and relatives raised more than £10,000 for two air ambulance organisations at a raffle and auction evening, where 120 guests bid for lots, including a holiday to Spain and a Gucci watch.

The father-of-two, who was married to Marion, was a former Wantage Town and Witney Town footballer.

Grahame Nash, one of the organisers of the Evening of Music and Magic, said: “Sadly Peter could not be saved, however, the Welsh paramedics involved were superb and after the tragedy we felt it only right to make an effort to raise some funds for the air ambulance.”

“All the planning, donations and prizes were provided totally free and we are all amazed at the generosity of people.”

The event was held at Ardington House, near Wantage.The proceeds will be split between Wales and Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance.