A CLOTHES recycling scheme which raises badly needed cash for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance has reached the £1million-mark.

The lifesaving ambulance service, which relies on public donations to keep flying, today thanked everyone in the region who had donated clothes at the many recycling bins in York and North and East Yorkshire.

The scheme was launched five years ago in conjunction with recycling operator Bag It Up Ltd.

Katie Collinson, of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, said: “We would like to say a massive thank you to all of our supporters who have recycled with us over the past five years.

“We do however, need people to continue to support the scheme, and help us save many more lives across Yorkshire.”

The Yorkshire Air Ambulance relies on £7,200 of funding per day to keep both of its helicopters and their crews in the air, the equivalent of £2.6million a year.

Miss Collinson said: “Sustainable income is vital to a modern charity, and recycling as an income stream helps and affects so many people, whilst fulfilling social responsibilities.

“Our successful ongoing relationship with Bag It Up over the years has helped us raise a fantastic £1million, and this income helps to save lives across the region.

“We are encouraging people to keep donating their unwanted textiles, clothing and shoes to help us raise even more money for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.”

There are more than 200 Bag It Up banks across the UK, including 15 in the York area.

To find your nearest bank, visit bagitup.org.uk or phone 01422 418618. If you wish to donate to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance directly, visit yorkshireairambulance.org.uk/donate