STROUD solicitors firm DF Legal is preparing free wills throughout November as part of a scheme to raise vital funds for a variety of charities.

The Gloucestershire-based practice, which took over from Robert Smith & Co this year following Mr Smith's death in March, has signed up to Will Aid to offer free will preparations in exchange for charitable donations.

Anyone taking up the service is being encouraged to donate a sum that reflects the quality of service they received, with all proceeds raised going to a host of good causes, including Age UK, NSPCC, Save the Children and Sightsavers. Dozens of customers have already signed up for the service, which is usually charged at around £150 for basic single wills or £225 for a pair.

As well as this, the firm has also signed up to the Stroud District Loyalty Card scheme, which was launched this month to offer a wealth of discounts at businesses across the region. "This card can save some serious money," said solicitor and company founder David Ferraby, who is offering scheme members discounts on wills and conveyancing fees for first-time buyers.

"It is certainly worth getting hold of and we are happy to be supporting it because first-time buyers need as much help as possible."