A YOUNGSTER took part in a gruelling triathlon to help keep life-savers flying high.

Sam Dodds, a pupil at Allertonshire School, Northallerton, raised more than £300 for the Great North Air Ambulance's Precious Minutes campaign.

He completed a sponsored triathlon consisting of five miles each of walking, cycling and horse riding.

"Fundraising events are the life blood of our organisation. Without them we would not be able to exist," said the charity's fundraising manager, Paula Harrison.

"It's great that schools and pupils want to become involved in fundraising for us while learning and having fun."

Precious Minutes is a curriculum-based campaign to raise awareness of the life-saving work of the Great North Air Ambulance within the region's schools.