City Law firm Wolferstans is 200 years old next year and they want everyone to join in the celebrations.

The firm was first established in the Barbican in 1812 at a time when work started on the breakwater, Charles Dickens was born and Napoleon invaded Russia. With such a long history they want to celebrate in style but they also want the opportunity to give something back to their staff, clients and friends in Plymouth. They have therefore launched their 2012 Project under which they hope to not only have fun and keep fit but also raise as much money for charity over the year as possible.

As Philip Thorneycroft, Partner and Head of the Family Law Department explains, 'we felt it was important that we used the year to have events which thanked staff and clients for their support. However Plymouth has always been our main home for the past 200 years and therefore we wanted to do a bit more, especially in a year which also hosts the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the London Olympics. We have therefore pledged to raise £2,012 each month for the year with a target of £25,000 at the end of 2012. We will be working with six different local charities over the year, with the proceeds from the events in their months going to the Charity. For example in June we have entered 50 of our staff in the Plymouth half marathon where we will be collecting for Jeremiah's Journey. In March we will be sponsoring a Plymouth Albion game and raising funds for Plymouth Headway. Other events include a golf day, a formal dinner  and  the St Luke's midnight walk.

The first charity to benefit is the Children's Happy Hospital Fund at the Children's Unit in Deriford. They need £30,000 to renovate their playroom and any funds raised in January and February by Wolferstans will go towards their fund. In January they are asking staff to host a simultaneous 'Come Dine With Me' dinner with guests making a contribution to the Charity.  In February sponsoring of a Plymouth Raiders game. However Wolferstans are getting started early by asking staff and clients to donate to the charity rather than send Christmas cards. They will also be helping the hospital charity this Sunday outside Mothercare at  Drakes Circus where the hospital will be hosting a ' teddy bear clinic'. As Philip Thorneycroft explains, 'the Deriford Children's Unit is very special to me as my son received treatment there for over two years. We really wanted that to be our first charity'.

As well as raising money for charity Wolferstans will also be taking part in the Herald's Love Llife Campaign and the Herald's 2012 Business Challenge which starts in December. As a 200 year old entrant, they hope to fight off some of their younger competitors!

To keep up with events over the year go to www.wolferstans.com or follow them on  twitter and facebook.