AIR ambulance crews attending a fundraising presentation ceremony at a five-star hotel were called into action when a man became unwell in the resort’s sauna.

Durham Freemasons presented a cheque for £8,000 to the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) at Rockliffe Hall Hotel, in Hurworth, near Darlington, today (October 19).

As they were meeting the assembled crowd, GNAAS crew members were diverted after reports of the man being taken ill.

The GNAAS paramedics and doctor attended him but after checking him over found no need for any further medical intervention and the man was allowed to return to the spa facilities.

Freemasons from the Provincial Durham Lodge and the Agricola Lodge, in Old Elvet, Durham City, donated to the charity, which was match-funded by the Freemasons Grand Charity, a total of £8,000.

Mandy Drake, deputy director of fundraising for GNAAS, said: “Once again we find ourselves indebted to the Freemasons who have come forward with yet another generous donation.

“As a mark of gratitude for their ongoing support we have added the Freemasons’ logo onto our aircraft.”