CUSTOMERS have helped a Colne retail giant to collect more than £37,000 to help to keep the North West Air Ambulance in the air.

Boundary Mill, whose owner is Richard Bannister, adopted the air ambulance service as its chosen charity for 2011 and has staged a series of fundraisers over the past 12 months.

Staff and shoppers have supported everything from a relay race, to quizzes, raffles and a fun day, alongside the traditional collecting tins.

Mark Carroll, the air ambulance’s development head, said: “We are delighted that one of the biggest retailers in our region chose the North West Air Ambulance as their charity of the year.

“Last year, we flew more than 1,200 rescue missions throughout the region so donations like these make a real contribution to keeping our charity going.”