Bond Air Services is to operate an EC135, which will replace an ageing Bolkow, for the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity.

Following an extensive fundraising campaign and support from members of the public, the charity will use the helicopter to enhance care for patients.

The 'Movin' On Up' campaign was launched to raise the £250,000 needed to secure the additional lease for six months. The aircraft has now arrived at its base in Filton.

Upgrading to the EC135 means that the advanced critical care service which operates in the region will be carried out in a helicopter compatible with the charity's high quality interventions. The aircraft has been fitted with an extra seat, to allow either a parent to accompany younger patients or new paramedics to be trained on the job.

The helicopter can also land on the Bristol Royal Infirmary or the Gloucester Royal helipads, whereas the Bolkow had to land out of town and make a transfer by land ambulance. The EC135 is side loading, increasing response time.

GWAAC chief executive John Christensen says: “The arrival of our new helicopter is the culmination of a lot of hard work by a lot of people. “It is a fantastic gain for the people in the region, who paid for it with their charitable donations. The challenge now comes to keep it going. We need support to keep it in the air,” continues Christensen.

“Without the support of the public there would be no air ambulance, so we really appreciate everyone who has donated and made our dream into a reality.”