THE Freemasons have agreed a major sponsorship deal with Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Cheques totalling £20,000 were handed over to the service at a meeting at York University on Saturday.

The money came from North and East Yorkshire Freemasons, West Yorkshire Freemasons and the national fund, The Freemasons Grand Charity.

Richard Anderson, the head of freemasonry in North and East Yorkshire, said: "Everyone could need the air ambulance at some point and, as it receives no Government funding, it is important that organisations like freemasonry ensure that this vital life-saving service is maintained and developed.

"Freemasons recognise the need to support others in society and have a long history of giving - whether it is being one of the first to support those affected by the Asian tsunami or to every hospice in the country - freemasons are always there for others."

A Yorkshire Air Ambulance helicopter flew into the university grounds to mark the hand-over of the money.

The cash will be put towards a new base for the service. The charity is currently based at Leeds Bradford Airport, but is looking to move because of airspace restrictions.

Martin Eede, chief executive of Yorkshire Air Ambulance, said: "Freemasons' lodges throughout Yorkshire have supported Yorkshire Air Ambulance since our beginning only six years ago.

"In agreement with the Freemasons, every penny given to Yorkshire Air Ambulance will go towards the building of our new air support unit at Tockwith.

"This will be a state-of-the-art building, the first of its kind in the UK, and will provide a permanent home for the region's air ambulance as we safeguard the service for future generations.

"Since we started in 2000, we have flown more than 6,200 missions.

"The legacy from the Freemasons support is that we will be able to continue this work of saving lives across our region."

The new base will cost an estimated £2.5m.

Noise tests have been carried out at the site ahead of a planning application being submitted.

For more information on Yorkshire Air Ambulance, contact 0845-120-60-60 or visit www.yaa.org.uk