STAFF at a New Forest shopping centre have launched a fundraising initiative after watching air ambulance crews save a man's life.

Paramedics flew to Ringwood Furlong Centre following reports that a man had suffered a heart attack and collapsed in the car park.

They treated the patient on the scene and took him by helicopter to hospital where he made a full recovery.

Workers were so impressed with the ambulance team that they decided to find a way to contribute towards keeping the costly air service afloat. Now they have installed a special textile-recycling bin in the centre's Waitrose car park, the proceeds of which will go towards the scheme.

Hampshire Air Ambulance project support officer Andrew Hawkins said: "We are delighted that the Furlong is supporting our work and hope that shoppers will remember to use this bank for their recycling.

"It costs £65,000 a month to keep an Air Ambulance flying."