James Bond film premieres, quiz nights for hundreds of people and casino nights were just a few of the events Clive Thomas, from Needham Market, organised to raise money for the East Anglian Air Ambulance over the past six years.

When Mr Thomas set up Anglia IT Recruitment in 2002, he chose the air ambulance as his partnership charity.

He said it was clear from the start that his company was not going to do things by halves as staff combined the launch of the firm with a regional premiere of the James Bond film Die Another Day.

The firm has since repeated the big fund-raiser, with the regional premiere of Casino Royale, complete with lookalikes, Aston Martins and glamorous Bond girls.

In recognition of the fund-raising, the air ambulance has now presented Mr Thomas with a framed print signed by the crew.

Mr Thomas said: "It was a bit of a surprise when they added up the funds. I didn't think it was quite that much.

"It's amazing how many people have had dealings with the air ambulance, it's a terrific service and it needs £3 million a year to keep going.

"I would encourage other businesses to get involved with the air ambulance as everyone can see it's worthwhile."

Mr Thomas said the firm was not going to stop fund-raising as staff were already planning to abseil off Ipswich Hospital.

Nicola Wright, Suffolk fund-raising co-ordinator, said: "The support Clive's team has given us over the last few years is really exceptional and deserving of recognition."