The Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has received a boost from book sales at the Co-op store in Bridport.

Staff at the shop handed over a cheque for £6,000 to the charity, raised through their bookstall.

Customers are encouraged to bring previously read books to the store where others can pick them up for a donation.

The total raised by this project is approaching £60,000 after it was set up eight years ago, and this last donation alone meets the operational costs of two air lifts for the air ambulance.

Last year, the service was called out 1,197 times and it is expected that a greater number of missions will take place this year.

Leanne Colverson, Dorset fundraising coordinator for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, said: “It is heartening how the staff and customers of the Co-op have got behind this project and the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance is most grateful for their support.

“We would like to offer them our sincere thanks and to extend our wishes to all of our supporters, whether in respect of this initiative, our lottery, or any of the many other ways that funds have been raised on our behalf.”