A TRIO of experienced lifesavers are set to take to the skies after being recruited to earn their wings with one of the region's most valued charity operations.

Three paramedics are the latest crew members to join the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) after impressing with CVs totalling more than a decade of ambulance and mountain rescue work respectively.

Father-of-two, Marcus Johnson, from Spennymoor, County Durham, will be joined on board by fellow father-of-two, Tim West, of Great Ayton, North Yorkshire, and Sarah Graham, from Bassenthwaite, in Cumbria.

The group will now be based at Durham Tees Valley Airport, near Darlington, and at Langwathby, in Cumbria, to span across the GNAAS’ northern airspace.

Former North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) paramedic and long-serving Cleveland Mountain Rescue Team member, Mr West said: “Each day is unique. Here, we are dealing with the patient group who have suffered a major trauma or are critically ill and can greatly improve their outcome.

“The camaraderie within the team is amazing. We are a real little family and the job satisfaction is immense.

“Of course flying and being able to see the region from the air is a perk of the job.”

The GNAAS charity uses about £4.5m worth of donations annually to keep the service airborne.

New recruit and former paramedic and NEAS mentor, Mr Johnson said: “Here you can make a real difference as the air ambulance is called to the sickest and most in need patients.

“That is extremely rewarding.”

For more information or to donate to the GNAAS, visit greatnorthairambulance.co.uk