HOPING to appeal to people who have spent time during lockdown clearing out their wardrobes and preparing for a new look, Wiltshire Air Ambulance has teamed up with Recycling Solutions to install charity clothing banks across the county.

It gives people the opportunity of convenient locations to recycle clothing and shoes they no longer want and at the same time support their local air ambulance.

The first clothing banks have now been installed at: Asda in Melksham; Bratton Plant Centre in Westbury; Burbage Village Hall near Marlborough; Hilperton Village Hall near Trowbridge; Leekes Garden Centre at Melksham; Morrisons in Chippenham, Devizes and Warminster; White Horse Health Centre, Westbury; Woodbridge Inn, Pewsey; Wootton Rivers Village Hall near Marlborough; The Rose and Crown, Salisbury; Asda in Thamesdown Drive, Swindon.

Wiltshire Air Ambulance fundraising manager Des Regan said: “We’re delighted to be working with Recycling Solutions, who are experts in this field.

“Ultimately the clothing banks will help reduce the amount of textile waste going to landfill and the money raised will help to fund our lifesaving work.”

Wiltshire Air Ambulance needs to raise £3.75 million each year to continue flying and saving lives. In 2019 the charity was tasked to 1,233 incidents across Wiltshire and surrounding areas.

Wendy Yarney from Recycling Solutions said: "Wiltshire Air Ambulance is a very well supported charity and we look forward to working with the local community, both in finding homes for our clothing banks and ensuring they are well used.”

Family-run firm Recycling Solutions have been operating since 2009 and are one of the leading textile recycling companies in the UK.

Dealing solely with charity clothing bank collections, Recycling Solutions provide a sustainable source of income for their charity partners.

To see a full list of clothing bank locations as they become available go to www.recyclingsolutions.org.uk/clothing-banks.

Any suggestions for new homes for another clothing bank or questions about the clothing banks can be sent by email to waa@recyclingsolutions.org.uk.