FARNFIELDS Solicitors in Warminster has managed to raise more than £12,000 for charity since taking part in Will Aid, contributing to the £16m raised by the scheme since it was set up in 1988.

The scheme involves participating solicitors making wills for local people but instead of charging a fee, will-makers are invited to donate to one of nine charities.

The Warminster solicitors, located on High Street, has taken part in the scheme for a number of years and in that time has raised a total of £12,868 for the charities, which include ActionAid, Age UK, British Red Cross, Christian Aid NSPCC, Save the Children, Sightsavers, SCIAF and Trocaire.

A spokesman for Farnfields said: “We believe that creating a will makes good sense. It forms part of sound financial planning for any family or individual.

“The Will Aid scheme encourages people to write a will and get their affairs in order whilst supporting several charities.

“We wanted to offer our support to this initiative. Not only does having a will offer peace of mind that your affairs are in order but charities benefit too.”

Will Aid raised nearly £1.75m and helped over 23,000 people to make their will last year, with the scheme taking place every November.

Shirley Marsland, Will Aid campaign manager, said: “Will Aid has made such a real and positive difference to those in need of a hand up over the years.

“This would not have been achieved without the hard work of our enthusiastic solicitors and the generosity of the clients they have helped to make a will.

“I would like to thank all the solicitors and will-makers in this area who took part and donated so much.

“I am constantly amazed by the support that solicitors give to the scheme and the work that they put into it to raise such an impressive amount.

“The participating charities are really grateful for the life-changing work this makes possible.”