Pictured: whg locksmith Fred Collins who has raised £1,000 for Midlands Air Ambulance by cutting keys and cashing in scrap metal

whg locksmith Fred Collins has raised hundreds of pounds for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity by cutting keys in his spare time and cashing in scrap metal.

Fred, who has been whg's locksmith for 12 years, had accumulated 3,900kg of obsolete metal, including redundant and broken key and lock parts, so took it to a local scrap merchant in exchange for £585.

The money, combined with contributions collected in exchange for him cutting keys for colleagues, customers and friends over the years totalled £1,000.

Fred, who lives in Cheslyn Hay, said: "If anyone has asked me to do things in my spare time like cut a key for them or open a safe and supply a key, I've asked for a contribution to charity. It's amazing how quickly it mounts up.

"I knew I'd be able to raise even more money by cashing in the boxes of old keys and locks. I'd stripped the locks down into the various metal parts, removing pins, plugs springs and levers, all of which have been used to carry out lock building over the last seven years. I'm really pleased that I'd kept what was left as I hope it will make a real difference to the charity."

Katy Meaney, spokeswoman for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, said: " Midlands Air Ambulance Charity needs £6 million pounds a year to operate. The charity receives no government or national lottery funding and so relies solely on the generosity of public donations to remain operational. Mr Collins has helped through his fundraising efforts and donation to ensure that this vital service can continue to save lives across the region."

For more information on how you can donate, fundraise and get involved with the charity visit www.midlandsairambulance.com