STEWARTS Garden Centres have raised thousands of pounds for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

Throughout 2013 the company raised funds for the chosen charity, handing over £11,281.57 recently.

Jason Carter, manager at Stewarts Broomhill, and staff members, presented their cheque to Annette Plaistow-Trapaud, the fundraising co-ordinator for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

Fundraising events were held throughout the year at both garden centres including donations for the reindeer badges and collection boxes at the tills and coffee shop.

Annette said: “We are absolutely thrilled and are so grateful for the support of all the Stewarts staff and customers over the last year.

“The Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance is a local service provided for local people and relies almost entirely on the generosity of local people.”

Stewarts Garden Centres also thanked their customers and staff on behalf of the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance for the generous donations during 2013.