Throughout 2008, Rutherford Ltd ran its own green campaign to reduce the number of plastic bags in use by charging a nominal 5p per bag, and donating all the money raised to the care of abandoned or unwanted animals.

The campaign has been doubly successful as many more customers now remember to bring their own bags.

Andy McCord, owner of Rutherford’s, said: “We wanted to make our contribution to the campaign to reduce the use of plastic bags.

“Our impact may be small when compared to a major retailer but has been well-supported by our customers, many of whom now remember to bring their own bags but still put their small change in the Arthurshiel collection box.”

Rutherford’s also raffled a Christmas hamper which raised “a substantial amount” for Arthurshiel and was won by Sandra Pilmer, pictured below left receiving her hamper from Shona Middlemas, who runs Arthurshiel, and Ann Kellett of Rutherford’s.