Lawyers at a South Wales firm are seeing their fundraising efforts making a difference after scooping the top accolade in a challenge set by Gwent Wildlife Trust.

Gabb & Co, which has offices in Abergavenny and Crickhowell, took first place in the trust’s latest Corporate 50 Challenge.

Members of the firm organised a range of events over 12 weeks to raise money to fund Gwent Wildlife Trust’s nature reserves work.

Andew Nixon, Usk to Wye living landscapes manager at Gwent Wildlife Trust, said: “The Trust looks after 30 nature reserves, from wetlands to meadows to ancient woodlands, across Gwent. These are areas of incredible beauty, but we are constantly having to protect and preserve them. Our Corporate 50 Challenge saw seven local businesses raise vital funds, of which Gabb & Co contributed the most. That’s why we have named the firm the winner.”

The fundraising at Gabb & Co was co-ordinated by employment law associate Emma Jones.

She said: “As a firm, we do a great deal of charity work and it’s really important to us to support organisations in our local area. That’s why Gwent Wildlife Trust’s Corporate 50 Challenge caught our eye, and we’re delighted that the efforts of our staff are already having a positive effect.”

Gabb & Co, along with other corporate participants, had free rein to design a three-month programme of fundraising.

Mrs Jones said: “We wanted to incorporate a good range of events which would draw on the talents of our lawyers and support staff. From baking to art to yoga, we managed to capture the imagination of the Gabb & Co workforce, and had a lot of fun in the process.”

The firm has plans for more charity fundraising in 2015, with the South Wales Three Peaks Trial and Canalathon already set in the diary.

“We take our corporate social responsibility very seriously and we’re fortunate to have a team of lawyers and support staff who are enthusiastic fundraisers,” said Mrs Jones. “It reflects our commitment to the great charity work that’s being done in our area, and in communities in which our clients are based.