DORSET and Somerset Air Ambulance and UK textile recycling operator BIU Group are celebrating raising over £1 million through donations to their textile recycling banks.

BIU Group have been in partnership with Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance since August 2006, placing textile recycling banks across the two counties and collecting the donations made to them.

Through the generosity of Dorset and Somerset residents, £1 million has now been raised for the charity.

The life-saving service receives no direct funding from Government or the National Lottery, but needs to raise over £2.5 million a year.

So charity bosses are keen to continue raising awareness of the recycling banks, encouraging more people to donate unwanted clothes, shoes, bags, bedding and household textiles.

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance chief executive officer Bill Sivewright (CORRECT) said: "Fundraising for charities takes many forms, but we believe that recycling adds another dimension of benefit for those people we support.

"The funds raised are certainly significant and a great source of regular income for the charity. However, the fact that we are also helping the planet in a wider context through effective recycling is a tremendous plus point. Our relationship with BIU has strengthened over the years and we are absolutely delighted to be celebrating this incredible milestone with them."

There are more than 100 banks located across the two counties, including supermarkets, pubs, community centres and churches. All items collected are baled and sold to organisations around the world who sort and sell the clothes or recycle them for other uses such as mattress filling or punch bag pellets.

BIU Group contract manager Carrie Smith said: "A big thank you to those who have donated and also to those generous supporters who have agreed to have one of our textile banks on their premises over the past 12 years."