DORSET & Somerset Air Ambulance has launched an appeal for cash to get a new, improved aircraft.

The service, which costs around £80,000 a month to run, was launched five years ago, becoming the third air ambulance in the West Country.

It is a joint venture between the Westcountry Ambulance Service and the Dorset Ambulance Service, together with the Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance Charitable Trust - which helps raise funds to keep the helicopter flying.

Fifty per cent of its funding comes from the Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance Lottery which has 15,000 members.

Head of fundraising at Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance, Charles Szechowski, said they hope to get the new improved aircraft within 18 months.

He said: "The appeal was launched on May 2. We're going to get another helicopter hopefully within 18 months to two years if the fundraising goes well. We don't have a monetary target as such.

"At the moment it costs us half-a-million pounds to lease and we would probably have to double that to lease the new, updated one."

The new helicopter will have more room inside and will be able to carry an extra passenger and give paramedics more room to work.

Charles added: "It is a little cramped at the moment and soon it may be possible to take a relative along with the patient,which we couldn't do before.

"The new aircraft is also quieter and more efficient, although not necessarily faster.

"This is a vital service which is used about three times a day, every day. It is nearly always used for rescues but occasionally for hospital transfers if it is an emergency."

He said: "We receive no government money and we have no lottery money. It is mainly because the air ambulance is listed as a statutory body like the fire, police and ambulance services and therefore not eligible for any funding.

"It is a charity funded by the people of two counties. At the moment it takes in excess of £80,000 a month to run, which works out at about £3,000 a day.

"We get a lot of support from a lot of people, but money is mainly made up of small amounts and very few large amounts."

Cheques and postal orders can be sent to Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance, Head Office, Taunton Ambulance Station, Lisieux Way, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 2LB.

For information on helping Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance ring 01823 351114 or Click here to visit the website

First published: May 13