Paul Weir, the boss of the Great Western Air Ambulance, which covers Bristol and surrounding area is confident that he can raise the money needed to keep it flying.

The air ambulance, based at Filton, was launched last June but without any money being raised. The Great Western Ambulance Service pay the costs of providing the paramedics on board the air ambulance.

Last week the charity decided to switch from the state of the art helicopter it is using to an older style Bolkow helicopter.

This will save £300,000 a year but will enable the helicopter to operate seven days a week rather the current five days. There will be no changes to the existing crewing and medical equipment .

The charity will need to raise £1 million a year to operate the Bolkow and so far has £350,000 in the coffers.

Mr Weir said: “The amount we are raising is growing daily and I can assure you that there will always be an air ambulance here.”