A LIFE-saving air ambulance has had its trial period extended for another month after completing more than 80 missions.

The helicopter has been based at Teesside Airport since July 8, and the Great North Air Ambulance charity is hoping to make it a permanent fixture for the people of Tees Valley, County Durham and North Yorkshire.

GNAA announced last week that it had raised enough funds to keep the helicopter in the air.

Chief executive, Grahame Pickering, said: "This aircraft is touching on people's lives and has already shown that it is needed in our area.

"We would like to thank people who have come forward with donations and offers of help, but that we still need ongoing help and funding to make it a permanent fixture."

Recent missions include a woman who suffered heart problems while walking by the river in Richmond on Wednesday of last week.

Air ambulance paramedic, Jon Ker, said: "The road ambulance crew had to walk a mile to get to her but we had her at the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton within four minutes."

Hospitals are also recognising the vital part helicopters can play in getting patients emergency treatment quickly, and some are creating special heli-pads so the air ambulances can land.

The Darlington-based charity is still searching for business sponsors for its two helicopters - the other is based at Blyth in Northumberland - and is on the look-out for more volunteers.

The GNAA can be contacted on 01325 487263