An air ambulance has been moved down the A1(M) on a HGV after a gearbox failure was detected on the vehicle.

The Great North Air Ambulance has confirmed that the helicopter, known as Guardian of the North II, was heading to Leeds Airport for repairs after the fault was found. 

As a result of the air ambulance out of action, there will be rapid response vehicles and the Cumbria helicopter on standby for the whole of the North.

The air ambulance on the back of the HGVThe air ambulance on the back of the HGV (Image: GREAT NORTH AIR AMBULANCE) In a statement, the Great North Air Ambulance said: "Yesterday our North East helicopter headed to Leeds Airport for repairs with Multiflight after a gearbox fault was found earlier this week.

"We know what you're thinking—'Didn't it just get fixed?' Unfortunately, yes. It's been a tough year for our choppers.

"Our helicopters are expensive commodities to have, and they are a huge asset to our charity.

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"However, it's our critical care team who bring the vital skills to the scene - so until repairs are made, our rapid response vehicles and Cumbria-based helicopter will be on standby for the whole North."

The statement added: "This repair will cost our charity thousands of pounds, and while we plan for situations like this, any contribution—big or small—will help keep our aircraft in the sky. If you can, please consider donating to help save our helicopter.

"We'd like to say a special thank you to AQ Logistics for helping to transport our helicopter."