A TOWN Mayor is appealing for businesses to raise vital funds to keep the Great North Air Ambulance charity flying.

New Shildon Mayor Stuart Bird said the air ambulance saved the life of one of his friends and that he wanted to do everything he could to raise its profile and boost funds.

Coun Bird visited the air ambulance crew at Durham Tees Valley Airport yesterday and said it would be his chosen charity for the year.

He said: "My friend was seriously injured in a road traffic accident and the air ambulance saved his life.

"We have got to keep this machine flying because it saves lives throughout the North-East. The sad thing is that you will never know how much you need it until it is not there, and this is why I want to give it as much support as I possibly can. They have two helicopters grounded at the minute and that is two too many."

Pippa Holt, of the air ambulance, thanked Coun Bird for his support.

She said: "It is great that he has chosen to support us as his charity of the year. He has only just started, and already he has brought money in. I think it is lovely that he wants to raise the profile of the charity and look forward to working with him."

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