THE district’s new air ambulance celebrated its first three months in operation by making a special visit to Thornbury Castle.

Since taking to the skies in June, the Great Western Air Ambulance has attended 165 incidents in South Gloucestershire.

At the celebrations the crew of the air ambulance were joined by two recent patients, Andrew Bryce, 15, of Charfield, who was in collision with a car while on his way home from school in July, and Stuart Southcott, 18 of Alveston, who was involved in a motorbike accident on the A38 in June.

Paul Weir, chief executive of Great Western Air Ambulance charity, said: "The number of incidents attended in our three first months really demonstrates the importance of this service. This is a major step forward in the provision of critical care response for the community.

"This event marks the commencement of our appeal to raise the £1.3 million needed each year to enable the aircraft to continue flying.

"I would appeal to everyone within the community to consider if they can assist this vitally important new charity."

Fundraising to support the new service is being undertaken by two new charities working together.

The Great Western Air Ambulance Charity is handling donations and a new charity, the Melvyn's Trust, is being established to raise funds from its recycling scheme in support of the air ambulance.

Donations should be made payable to Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (charity no1121300). Cheques and postal orders should be sent to: Great Western Air Ambulance, Air Operations Office, Bristol Filton Airport, Filton, Bristol, BS99 7AR.