A national dry stone walling contest held on Dartmoor this summer has helped to shore up the finances of Devon Air Ambulance, raising more than £1,110 for the charity.

The Ellwood Classic Walling Competition attracted 36 entrants – a record number – from all over the country. The challenge was to build the best Devon Bank, which differs from other types of dry stone wall by having a bank of earth in the middle.

During the one-day competition, money was raised for Devon Air Ambulance and Sampford Spinney Church through food sales and other activities. Dartmoor Brewery contributed by donating three casks of beer for sale, with proceeds adding to the charity collection.

The event was supported by the Dartmoor Preservation Association, the Dartmoor Hill Farm Project, Dartmoor National Park Authority and the Dry Stone Walling Association.

Devon wallers were well represented by Mickey and Dave Cole from Princeton, who came fourth in the professional pairs category.

After the competition Helen Bruce from the Dartmoor Preservation Association and Nick Fell, who hosted the event on his farm at Merrivale, presented a cheque for £1,163 to Scarlett Ley from Devon Air Ambulance.

They were joined by Sophie Burgess and Columb Hague from the Dartmoor Hill Farm Project and prizewinner David Cole.

Helen Bruce from the DPA said: “It’s very positive for the Dartmoor community that an event showcasing rural skills has had such a profound impact on people and been able to raise money for a worthy cause.”

Scarlett Ley from Devon Air Ambulance added: “A big thank you to you guys for raising over £1,000 for our trust today, absolutely thank you for everything you’ve done.

“You’ll support our services for our two helicopters, across the whole of Devon and beyond, allowing us to get hospital care to the scene and then transferring our patients on to their relevant hospital.”