AN aviation museum launched its own ambulance service yesterday.

The Lord Mayor of York, Councillor David Horton, was at the Yorkshire Air Museum, in Elvington, near York, for the launch.

The beginning of the Yorkshire Air Museum Ambulance Service (Yamas) was marked by the handing over of the keys to the team who will operate the vehicle.

The service is manned by volunteers from Tees East and North Yorkshire Ambulance Service (Tenyas) as well as from the museum itself.

They form a dedicated group of first responders and emergency medical technicians able to react to a number of emergency situations.

As first responders, team members are trained to use a defibrillator and oxygen equipment in addition to general first aid, while emergency medical technicians can undertake more complex emergency treatment.

The Yamas, together with the county's fire brigade, will provide cover for museum events, visitors and volunteers.

The combined service will also be available for contract hire to help raise funds for the museum charitable trust.

Strong links have also been made with the local NHS ambulance service and it is hoped that the duties of the Yamas will be extended to provide cover for the local community.

The ambulance, nick-named Sweet Charity, was bought second-hand 12 months ago, but the full refit and service has taken seven weeks, with thanks to SVL Signs, Initial Garments, Tenyas, Ring Electronics and 3M Traffic & Graphic for help and equipment.

Museum spokesman, Ian Richardson, said: "We have put it back into good condition in a relatively short space of time - it is a great achievement."