MELKSHAM car retailer Dick Lovett Jaguar Land Rover has helped to keep the Wiltshire Air Ambulance flying after raising more than £3,000 for the life-saving charity.

For two months, Dick Lovett Jaguar Land Rover donated £30 for every new car sold and £5 for every vehicle serviced.

Head of Business Richard Davies was able to present a cheque for £3,060 to the air ambulance charity at their new, purpose-built base at Outmarsh in Semington.

Richard said: “Thanks to our customers’ support, I’m thrilled we have been able to help this incredible local charity.

“As neighbours of the new facility we are proud to have been able to raise much needed funds. The service provided within the county by the Wiltshire Air Ambulance and its teams is invaluable.”

Wiltshire Air Ambulance moved to its new airbase in May and the helicopter can now reach anywhere in Wiltshire within 11 minutes. The charity needs to raise millions of pounds every year to keep airborne.

Barbara Gray, senior fundraising, marketing and communications manager at Wiltshire Air Ambulance, said: “We’d like to thank the Dick Lovett Jaguar Land Rover for supporting us and raising a fantastic amount.

“The funds they have raised will enable us to continue to save lives. We are a charity and have to raise £3.25 million a year to keep our life-saving service operational.”

Dick Lovett Jaguar Land Rover opened its purpose-built centre off the A350 in Melksham earlier this year. It includes a barista coffee lounge and children’s play area, as well as a state-of-the-art showroom for Land Rover and Jaguar cars.

The Dick Lovett Group is a family-run business and has been operating across the South West for over 50 years. As well as Jaguar Land Rover, it also sells and services Ferrari, Maserati, Aston Martin, Porsche, BMW and MINI.