A SHOP in North Tawton has been congratulated for its fundraising efforts by a major charity.

The Spar store in the town collects money for the Devon Air Ambulance Trust with charity boxes. Staff at the store also ask customers to donate 5p or 10p when they request a carrier bag.

Since staff at the store started asking for donations for carrier bags, they have raised a magnificent £10,469.40 for the charity.

Manager of the store Andrew McGarvie said: 'We started this initiative back in 2008 when the Government suggested plastic bags should be sold, not just given away.

'We realised that it was a brilliant way to help our chosen charity and we are amazed and delighted that we have been able to raise such significant funds for Devon Air Ambulance Trust with such a simple idea.

'It also appeals to the green ethics of our company and, by default, because our customers will also re-use the bags, it has actually saved the number of bags we buy in.'

Fundraising director for the Devon Air Ambulance Trust Caroline Creer said: 'This is such a fantastic example of community fundraising. The Spar at North Tawton is a well-used, popular community shop and the people of the town have really risen to the challenge of fundraising for the trust.

'It just goes to show how those few odd pennies really add up. We can't thanks everyone enough.'