A Carlisle schoolwear firm has donated over 1,000 items to the Great North Air Ambulance as it names the service as its charity of the year.

Staff at Winterbottom’s Schoolwear, based on the Kingmoor Park and Victoria Viaduct, have also held bake sales and yoga and Pilates classes to raise cash for the charity.

More events are planned, the company said.

The surplus garments donated by Winterbottom’s Schoolwear are transported to a depot and sorted.

At this point, buyers in the UK and abroad grade the clothing to ensure the charity receive the best possible price for everything so that the clothing can then be sold on.

Christianne Kania, marketing manager at Winterbottom’s Schoolwear, said:“As we pride ourselves in designing and manufacturing high quality products, it means we can give it a new lease of life by supporting and helping to raise money for a fantastic cause.

“This also helps to minimise the impact that the clothing industry is having on the environment.”

GNAAS, which is not NHS-funded, brings pioneering pre-hospital care to the scene, rescuing hundreds of severely injured or ill patients every year.

Ellen Raine, community collection co-ordinator for the Great North Air Ambulance Service, said: “We would like to take the time to thank everyone who donates to the Great North Air Ambulance.

“With the support of the public we are able to save lives day after day.”