A community test-driving initiative held at Foyle Search and Rescue’s Prehen base in Derry has raised £6,000 for the charity.

The event, branded ‘Drive For Your Community’, saw members of the public take a variety of Ford vehicles for short test drives. For each drive logged, Ford contributed £30 to the organisation. More than 200 journeys were recorded during the day.

Dawn Grieve, volunteer manager at Foyle Search and Rescue, said the money will support the group’s daily operations along the River Foyle, where it provides rapid-response and lifesaving assistance.

Jonathan Ferguson, Ford manager at Desmond Motors, confirmed the full £6,000 total was reached and thanked those who took part.