A SURGE in demand for the region’s air ambulance service has left the charity in desperate need of funds.

The helicopters run by the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) were called out 154 times last month, compared to 75 times for April last year.

The charity believes the increase in demand is down to the burgeoning relationship between it and the North- East Ambulance Service (NEAS).

Mandy Drake, fundraising manager at the air ambulance, said: “The helicopters are used far more now than ever before. The more we get used, the more money we have to raise.

“We are fully aware that there is a recession going on and we do not expect people to just turn around and give thousands of pounds, but we just do not want people to forget we are there.”

Jim Broad, from the ambulance service, said: “The NEAS enjoys a very close and robust relationship with the GNAAS, with both organisations sharing a 100 per cent commitment to delivering the very best pre-hospital care.

“Our organisations work seamlessly together in response to incidents, and regular meetings between clinical and operational managers are held.”

The air ambulance hopes its annual summer ball will build on the success of last year’s event and provide some muchneeded funds.

The Forget-Me-Not Ball, on Friday, June 26, has been boosted by the support of Emmerdale actors Chris Chittell and Charlie Hardwick, the soap’s Eric and Val Pollard, who will host the event if filming schedules allow.

Mr Chittell said: “I am delighted to have been asked, I am looking forward to coming along on the evening and raising large amounts of money for this worthwhile charity.”

Tickets for the event, at the Dolphin Centre, Darlington, cost £40, or £400 for a table of ten, available by calling 01325-487263.