Tracy Bartram, fundraising co-ordinator for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, said that the money raised from the Bag a Bra week will not only raise crucial funds to support the life saving helicopter and its dedicated crews who can fly up to six emergency missions each day across the two counties, but will benefit women in developing countries who do not have the money or selection of bras offered by retailers in the UK.

At the launch, attended by members of the Aquarians Netball team, staff from the NVU2 hair and beauty salon and M&S, Castlepoint general manager Peter Matthews said: “Our customers have been fantastic over the last year in supporting the air ambulance. Through events and recycling through the main clothing banks over £16,000 has been raised.”