IRISH airline Ryanair has donated €100,000 to the region's children's hospices in Sutton Scotney.

The company is a partner of Naomi House and Jacksplace and has supported the charity through its 'scratch card' initiative for over four years, donating over €300,000.

Ryanair scratch cards offer airline customers the opportunity to win cash prizes, luxury cars and the chance to win €1 million, by entering for €2.

The money raised is then distributed to charities across Europe.

Paul Morgan, head of fundraising at Naomi House and Jacksplace, said: "We are delighted to be one of the British charity beneficiaries from the proceeds of the sale of Ryanair scratch cards.

"The company also helps promote our services to passengers. "Visits from Ryanair cabin crew also inspires our children and families – so much so that we even create Ryanair themed activities and creative therapies via our Play and Activities Team.

"We deeply appreciate the ongoing support from the passengers and crew involved with scratch cards. Thank you."

Since 2014, the scratch cards have become the charity's largest single corporate supporter and has provided enough income to fund ongoing bereavement support for 100 extended families.

Aoife Greene, Ryanair’s head of retail, added: "It is a pleasure to support the incredible work that Naomi House & Jacksplace do for the children and their families in the UK.

"Having personally seen the excellent services they provide in such beautiful surroundings, it’s important to Ryanair and our crew that we continue this partnership into the future."