Fundraisers were out in force yesterday to raise money for the Great North Air Ambulance.

Darlington Rotary Club organised the fun day in aid of the air ambulance's Flight for Life appeal at Hummersknott School and Language College, in Darlington.

An emergency call meant that the star of the event, the air ambulance, had to leave early to deal with an accident at Barnard Castle.

Among the entertainment was a tug-of-war competition, dancing, live music from Hummersknott and Carmel schools students, face-painting and a barbecue.

All the emergency services were in attendance, plus the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force. There was also the chance to win a Dambusters Helicopter Flight along the training route of 617 Squadron.

Chief executive of the air ambulance, Grahame Pickering, said: "The absolutely beautiful weather really helped to get people to come along and everyone seemed to be having a good time."

The air ambulance, based at Teesside Airport, needs £1.5m a year to keep it operational. An appeal has been launched to raise £2.5m for a new helicopter.

In the past 12 months the helicopter has flown 500 missions.