THE vital role the Yorkshire Air Ambulance plays in providing life-saving cover to outdoor pursuits has been recognised by local motorsport enthusiasts.

More than £740 raised by the Pickhill Motor Club’s inaugural annual dinner was handed over to the YAA’s regional fundraising manager Tony Doveston.

The YAA has now taken 4,700 patients to hospital in the 12 years of its existence and Mr Doveston said this included many outdoor sportsmen and women.

“Yorkshire has a vast topography that not only includes remote, rural and densely populated areas but also includes major motorways and road networks.

“With such wonderful countryside it’s natural that people want to get out and enjoy it and whether it is organised events such as motorsport or BMX races or just people out enjoying a walk or riding a horse we are on hand.

“In instances of serious injury, where every second is vital, the air ambulance often provides the swiftest route to hospital but also the safest – avoiding uneven road surfaces.”

Mr Doveston was presented with the cheque by rally driver Geoff Simpson, who currently leads the ANCC Championship, and Edward Boynton.

Mr Simpson’s company, Chonka MOT and Vehicle Services, sponsored the dinner and Mr Boynton, landlord of the Nags Head, Pickhill, near Thirsk, hosted it