A St Albans resident who teamed up with a gift and home ware store to raise money for Herts Air Ambulance managed to raise £1,000 after keeping quiet for 24 hours.

Kim Couch decided to undertake the challenge with Lavendergreen on Saturday, March 14, to help raise much needed funds and awareness for the charity.

Ms Couch's target was £100, but she managed to exceed her target by raising a total of £1,000.

Ms Couch said: "I decided to do something that would be very challenging for me personally, a 24 hour sponsored silence.

"Family and friends thought it was hilarious challenge for somebody who talks a lot.

"Everybody, including me, knew it would be difficult to keep quiet for 24 hours - ten minutes would normally be my limit."

Ms Couch set up camp outside Lavendergreen on London Road with balloons, banners and a surgical mask to help her keep quiet.

Store owner Joanna Marks and her team donned Herts Air Ambulance t-shirts, supplied unlimited cups of tea and moral support, and tweeted throughout the day about Ms Couch's mission to help her reach her goal.

For more information about the Herts Air Ambulance, or to make a donation, visit www.hertsairambulance.uk.com or call 0345 504 0055.