CAMPAIGNERS are hoping for a chain reaction after the launch of a new air ambulance cash drive in Dorchester town centre.

Coun Trevor Jones, chairman of the Dorset Ambulance NHS Trust, joined with Coun Les Phillips, fundraiser Gwen Pattle and sisters Felicity and Sylvia Knightsmith.

He formed the first link in a sponsored paper chain which campaigners hope will run the length of South Street in the town centre.

Coun Phillips said: "It is in aid of the air ambulance.

"We hope people will start talking about the chain and help out."

He added: "The air ambulance is a very good cause.

"In Dorchester we see the helicopter fly into the hospital all the time so we are only too aware of how many lives it saves."

Mrs Pattle dressed as a bee, the air ambulance emblem, for the launch, while the Knightsmith sisters donned Pearly King and Queen costumes.

They were joined by Charlie Szechowski from the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

Now fundraisers will be out in force on the night of Dorchester's Casterbridge Christmas Cracker late night shopping extravaganza on December 6.

But they will also be out collecting in the town centre and in pubs next year.