THE region's air ambulance is celebrating approaching its first year in service by asking for more support from local people.

The Great Western Air Ambulance was launched last June and since then has attended on average 60 incidents a month.

Not long after its launch Stuart Southcott, 18 of Alveston, was involved in a motorbike accident on the A38, he later visited Filton, where the helicopter is based, to thank the team that saved him.

In July another local lad Andrew Bryce, 15 of Charfield was flown to Frenchay by the air ambulance after being in collision with a car while on his way home from school.

However, despite receiving the support of many local groups through donations and charity events, including receiving £800 from Thornbury’s Christmas lights switch-on event, the charity which runs the air ambulance is appealing for more help.

The helicopter, which is crewed by paramedics, doctors and life-saving equipment, costs £1.3 million a year to run.

Paul Weir, chief executive of the Great Western Air Ambulance, said: "Challenging economic times like those which we are currently experiencing put pressure on everyone and charities are no exception.

"We have tremendous support from local people and organisations but need to build on that continually and over time so that we can play our role in saving lives across the region."

Fundraising to support the day-to-day operation of the service is being co-ordinated by two charities set-up especially, The Great Western Air Ambulance Charity, which will handle donations, and the Melvyn's Trust, which will raise money through its recycling scheme.

Anyone wishing to support the new service should make cheques payable to the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity and send them to, Great Western Air Ambulance, Air Operations Office, Bristol Filton Airport, Filton, Bristol, BS99 7AR.

For more information about fundraising call 0845 838 8492.