Schools, businesses and individuals across the county are pledging to help raise vital funds for Wiltshire Air Ambulance but there is still time for others to take part.

During National Air Ambulance Week - September 22 to 28 - Wiltshire Air Ambulance is encouraging people to dress up as heroes and raise vital funds.

The charity receives no Government or National Lottery funding and relies on donations from the public.

The service will take delivery of a new helicopter in December when its partnership with Wiltshire Police comes to an end. It will then cost £2.5m a year to keep the air ambulance flying.

Among those taking part is Coral Cove, a children’s indoor soft play centre in Devizes.

It is running activities every day including a superhero-themed music time with nursery mascot Ollie, a superhero-sponsored walk with nursery children and a superhero disco.

Coral Cove manager Natasha Brooks said: “Everyone’s really enthusiastic about taking part. It is a good cause that has helped many people in need over the years.”

A number of schools have signed up and they will be entered into a prize draw to win a fly-in visit by the new helicopter next year.

Supermarkets across the county are hosting collections during the week and anyone interested in volunteering to help with these collections should contact Wiltshire Air Ambulance on (01380) 739453.

Rebecca de la Bedoyere, fundraising manager at Wiltshire Air Ambulance, said: “People can do as much or as little as they are able.”

To get involved and for a fundraising pack go to www.wiltshireairambulance.co.uk or to donate by text, text Hero36 £1/£5/£10 to 70070.