WILTSHIRE Air Amb-ulance shop manager Dot Whitehead said she was close to tears as staff celebrated its sixth anniversary on Tuesday.

Mrs Whitehead and her team of volunteers were joined by Wiltshire Ambulance Service chairman James Carine in cutting a special cake to mark the occasion.

Since the store opened in Maristow Street, Westbury ,in 1998, it has raised a staggering £359,749.46 for the life-saving charity. But despite her team's efforts Mrs Whitehead was quick to pay tribute to customers who she hopes will keep backing the shop.

She said: "It was a marvellous day. I was really, really over the moon. I never ever thought we would do as well as we have done.

"We are proud to work for them and nobody gets paid. It's teamwork and I think that is why we've been successful.

"It's hard work, but for a good cause. We are determined to keep the ambulance flying and we have had support from all over Wiltshire.

"Please keep supporting us. We'll do the hard work if you keep bringing us donations to sell."

Wiltshire Air Ambulance fundraising coordinator Tracey Edwards said: "The ladies at the Westbury shop work tremendously hard and their efforts help us enormously in keeping the Air Ambulance flying over the county.

"This financial year has been a bumper one for the shop as it raised £80,000. We are extremely grateful to the volunteers and customers for their fantastic support."