STAFF at a Dorchester jewellers are urging customers to help them raise £5,000 for charity by the end of September.

Workers are raising cash for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance by offering free battery replacements for watches in exchange for donations.

All five branches of the Allum and Sidaway chain in Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire are holding fundraising campaigns - and competition between stores is fierce.

Dorchester branch manager Judith Shaw said: "We have just over two weeks to go to meet our target across the group and are asking for help from our customers.

"We think this is a great offer and hope we will get everyone behind us to raise money for what is really a very good cause.

"Our staff are all expertly trained, and will be able to deal with any number of people who come in to support us. It would be really good to beat our target."

Allum and Sidaway managing director Jason Allum said: "I'd like to thank those members of the public who have supported us so far and encourage more to come in and take advantage of the free battery offer.

"Any donations will be very welcome."