AN air ambulance charity is urging people not to give to doorstep collectors.

The Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Charity (DSAA) is urging residents to be aware of a commercial company which has been carrying out doorstep collections of clothing, jewellery, toys and other items.

The company is called Air Ambulance Service (Trading Co Ltd), but the DSAA has stressed it has nothing to do with the charity.

It is not known whether any money raised by the company has ever been given to any air ambulance, the charity says.

The company puts leaflets through letterboxes showing a photograph of a yellow helicopter, similar to the one flown by Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, which the DSAA fears could lead residents to believe the company is supporting the charity.

DSAA charity manager Charlotte Routley said: “It is causing distress to people when they later find out that this is a profit-making commercial company which has nothing to do with us at all.

“As well as taking away vital funds which could help keep our Air Ambulance flying over Dorset and Somerset, this company’s activities have even led to people mistakenly complaining to us about receiving frequent requests to donate items.

“We would like to make it absolutely clear to residents in Dorset and Somerset that our charity does not collect anything from doorsteps.”

The DSAA works with recycling partner Bag It Up Ltd, which has recycling banks in easily accessible locations in Dorset and Somerset where people can take items they want to donate.

Ms Routley added: “The only people who are likely to knock on somebody’s door on behalf of the DSAA are our Flight for Life Lottery fundraisers, who will carry official identification but will never accept any money on the doorstep.”

No one from Air Ambulance Service was available for comment.

The DSAA relies solely on donations from the public to raise the £3,800 a day it needs to keep its lifesaving helicopter flying, as it does not receive any Government or National Lottery funding.

The Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year and has attended more than 7,300 emergencies since its launch.

More information about the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance can be found by visiting the website www. dorsetandsomersetairambulance.org.uk, or by sending an email to info@dorsetandsomersetairambulance.org.uk or calling 01823 669604.