ESTATE agents Goadsby are celebrating their 50th anniversary this year and are planning a number of events to mark the milestone and to raise money for air ambulances.

The company was founded in Bournemouth on July 1 1958 by Aubrey Goadsby and Tony Harding, and Goadsby is now ranked 26th in the UK, employs more than 400 staff and has an £18m turnover.

It has 26 residential offices, 12 lettings offices, three land departments and commercial offices in Bournemouth, Southampton and Winchester.

Goadsby chief executive David Errington said: "As a company Goadsby has always been committed to supporting local charities, so we are particularly delighted to be associated with this extremely worthwhile cause in this our 50th year."

Air Ambulance charity director Nicola Howkins said: "The two Air Ambulances cover Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Dorset and Somerset and we are extremely grateful to Goadsby for supporting these vital life saving helicopters, which rely solely on donations from the community."