THREE paramedics from the region’s air ambulance service have reached new heights after graduating from university.

The crew members from the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) studied for an honours degree in Paramedic Science to keep their clinical standards at the highest level.

Paramedics Mike Bateman and Andy Dalton, alongside the assistant director of operational governance, Jeff Gray, all graduated at Teesside University after completing the two year course.

The trio added to their years of experience and specialist air ambulance training by studying for their degree alongside their full-time roles at the charity.

Mr Bateman, 57, from Guisborough, said: “It was a lot of hard work but definitely worth it. The new qualification has given us additional skills which will benefit our work on the frontline.”

Mr Gray, 52, from Carlisle, who has worked at the organisation for eight years, said: "The role of today's paramedics is expanding rapidly with education and learning being a large part of the profession.

“GNAAS is a leading healthcare charity and we endeavour to seek out new developments to give the patient the best possible experience.”

A spokesman for the air ambulance service said: “Our paramedics are now among the most qualified in the country. That can only be of huge benefit to the people we serve.”

The three crew members are the latest GNAAS paramedics to pass the qualification after five crew members graduated last year.