INSTEAD of being showered with presents for her 50th birthday, a care worker decided to raise money for the Wiltshire Air Ambulance with a disco inspired 50th birthday party and fundraiser.

Recovered from her bout of disco fever which she caught at her party in January, Roz Browne of Page Close, Calne, met Wiltshire Air Ambulance staff to present them with a cheque for nearly £540.

Fascinated with the work the air ambulance does on a daily basis, Mrs Browne asked friends and family to make a donation to the airbase appeal instead of buying presents.

She said: "My friends were brilliant and have been really supportive. I think they were quite shocked at first when I asked for donations instead of presents but you get to a certain age and you don't want things.

"I decided on the air ambulance because they don't get funding and they saved a friend of mine's life. "They do the job they do and it is amazing - I just wanted to help."

Cas Loudon, donor relationship co-ordinator at Wiltshire Air Ambulance, said: “We are so grateful to Roz and her daughter Lexi, for raising money for our Airbase Appeal.

"Having a fancy dress '80s party is a great way to celebrate a special birthday, singing along to the music of the era and dancing around your handbag, and even more special spending it with family and friends.

"The money raised by Roz will help us to complete the building and equipping of our new airbase at Semington.

“We’ve had amazing support from the community since we launched our Airbase Appeal to raise the remaining £1.25 million needed.

"If you would like to get involved or hold a fundraising event, just like Roz, contact the Charity Team on 01380 739453 or go to our website www.wiltshireairbaseappeal.co.uk.”