A HAMPSHIRE water company has confirmed it will continue sponsoring Hampshire charity, Wessex Heartbeat.

Broughton-based Hildon Water will sponsor the cardiac charity for a second year after contributing to more than £100,000 raised by Wessex Heartbeat last year.

Hildon Water will support the charity this year by providing water for many of its major fundraising events, including its golf day and dinner, its summer ball and its sponsored cycle ride through the Test Valley.

Debbie Jones, executive director at the firm, which launched in 1989 and last year gained a Royal Warrant after supplying the royal household for several years, said: “It is a real pleasure to know Hildon Water is helping Wessex Heartbeat’s continuing work to support the cardiac unit.”

Ken Wilde, the charity’s commercial manager, added: “We were absolutely thrilled to learn that Hildon will be supporting us again this year.

“This successful company has a real passion for its community and local charities and its support will be a huge boost to our events programme.”

Since it was founded 25 years ago, Wessex Heartbeat has raised almost £16million for the Wessex Cardiac Unit, funding projects including the Young Adult Cardiac Centre and a £1million refurbishment of the children's ward.

It also runs Heartbeat House, which is situated opposite Southampton General Hospital and offers accommodation for the families of children and adults being treated at the Wessex Cardiac Centre, for as long as they need it.