FUNDRAISERS are being urged to come forward and donate money to support the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

The charity, which attended almost 300 incidents between January and June this year, is making the plea as part of a fundraising drive during National Air Ambulance Week (NAAW).

The event, which also aims to raise awareness, will take place from September 24 to 30.

Bill Sivewright, the air ambulance’s chief executive officer, said: “There are so many different ways to get involved during the week.

“You could hold a dress-down day at your school or workplace, or you may wish to organise your own event.

“You can hold a cake sale or fete, or do something more daring, like a parachute jump or sponsored swim.”

NAAW is organised by the Association of Air Ambulances (AAA) which unites the countrywide services and aims to provide them with a national voice.

Mr Sivewright added: “We believe fundraising should be fun, and many of these initiatives are easy to organise and take very little pre-planning.

“Whatever you decide to do, rest assured that all money raised will stay locally and help us to raise the £4,000 a day it costs to keep flying.”

To register an event, or to find out more about how you can get involved, send an email to <&bh"mailto:infor@dsairambulance.org.uk">info@dsairambulance.org.uk<&eh> or telephone 01823 669604.