THE Yorkshire Air Ambulance has welcomed HRH The Duke of York to officially open its northern airbase, where it was announced that he has become a patron of the charity.

Prince Andrew, who is Honorary Chief Pilot to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA), unveiled a plaque commemorating the move to RAF Topcliffe, near Thirsk, before a tour of the facilities.

Air ambulance crews have been based at the Topcliffe site for the last six months after being forced to move out of the previous base at nearby Bagby Airfield because of a planning row.

Chairman of the YAA Peter Sunderland said: “To have the Duke of York come and be a part of our celebrations today is a fantastic opportunity to let people know that he supports us.

“When the Duke became out Chief Pilot we had an increase in sponsorship interest so hopefully now he has agreed to become our patron this will help us to grow even more.

“We hope that in the next five years we will take on another helicopter to bring us up to three - we just need continued help and support in raising the £2.65m a year needed for our running costs.”

RAF Topcliffe, at the 4th Regiment Royal Artillery Allenbrook Barracks, offers the YAA an established airfield and improved facilities.

Mr Sunderland added: “We can now put the issues at Bagby Airfield behind us and look forward to having a secure base here - the RAF and Army have been really accommodating and supportive to us.”

The Duke of York arrived in time to see one of the helicopters take off on a job.

He said: “I’m glad to see the helicopter crews out doing what they are trained to do - saving lives.

“It is a great privilege to be made patron of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and I have been watching its progress closely.

“I hope as patron I can help to raise the funds required to keep this excellent service going.”

Prince Andrew went on to visit York to celebrate the city's Charter Day, 800 years after the first Royal Charter was granted.

He visited the set of York's Mystery Plays and met the stars after a trip around the city.