STAFF at Wilko in Stroud are celebrating after being awarded Best Business Partnership at the star-studded Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s Recognition Awards and Charity Ball.

As a key contributor to the regional charity partnership, the Stroud store hosted a number of events including a sponsored cycle, which saw the team raise more than £3,300 for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity in 12 months.

The community-focused retailer was recognised by the Midlands Air Ambulance as a significant corporate donator to the charity, as £40,000 was raised by 10 stores in the region, funding 16 lifesaving missions.

Team members from the Stroud, Gloucester and Cheltenham stores are keen to extend their support by hosting another year of fundraising activity in 2014.

Graham Massey, store manager at the Stroud Wilko, said: “We’ve had a wonderful year supporting the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity and we’re so pleased that the grand total raised by all the stores in the region made a real difference.

"We firmly believe where there’s a Wilko, there’s a way – and Winning this award is a real testament to all the hard work of our team members.

But we’re definitely not stopping there – We can’t wait to get going with this year’s fundraising. We’ve got plenty of ideas in the pipeline and we hope our loyal customers across the Midlands will support them and see us on our way to another amazing total.”

Sofia Voutianitis, corporate fundraising manager for Midlands Air Ambulance, said: “From the start, Wilko has been a terrific support to our service. in the last year alone has funded 16 lifesaving missions.

"Team members have really got behind the charity, hosting a number of fun in store and external eventsWe are extremely grateful, for all their efforts, which is why we chose Wilko as the deserving winner of our Business Partnership of the Year.”