SOLDIERS with a regiment serving in Northern Ireland have done their bit to keep the Great North Air Ambulance flying.

The Green Howards' regimental headquarters is in Richmond, so when the aircraft paid a visit to the market town's castle, it was an ideal opportunity to hand over money raised with a bonfire night and firework display at the unit's base at Shackleton Barracks, in Ballykelly.

The cheque for £300 was presented by Green Howards recruitment officer Sergeant Chris Gent, accompanied by the Richmond Drummer Boy, dressed in an 18th Century Green Howards uniform.

Legend has it that one of the regiment's young drummers was sent down a tunnel thought to lead from Richmond Castle to Easby Abbey, tapping his drum so comrades could follow his progress above ground. The plan worked at first, but then the drumming stopped and the young volunteer was never seen again.

Sgt Gent said: "The Green Howards recruit in Teesside and North Yorkshire and the regimental headquarters is in Richmond, so it was appropriate to present this cheque at Richmond Castle. Our soldiers are very keen to support local causes and were pleased to help the air ambulance.''