A HAULIER has commissioned a model version of his beloved wagons in order to raise money for the Great North Air Ambulance Service.

Not content with decorating four of his fleet in the charity’s colours, Chris Kilsby of Hawthorns Logistics has just taken delivery of 105 scale replicas to sell to collectors.

The replica Scania is decked out in Hawthorns’ livery with GNAAS branding – the same as three life-size trailers which are now being used to haul goods throughout the UK.

Mr Kilsby, of Castleside, near Consett, said he wanted to use his long-distance vehicles to promote the work of the air ambulance after one of his drivers saw the service in action three years ago.

He said: “One of our lads was on the A1 near Belmont when a motorist lost control of his car and crashed into him.

“Being on the roads a lot, we are obviously aware of the work of the air ambulance, but when you see it up close you realise just what an important job it does.

“We’re just pleased to be able to help in some way.”

Mr Kilsby and his son, Dave, met air ambulance crews at their base at Durham Tees Valley Airport this week to show off the models, as well as unveiling their latest design for their trailers.

The fourth trailer, with a fresh design depicting two of the charity’s aircraft flying over the coastline of the North-East, has just been completed.

Grahame Pickering MBE, chief executive of GNAAS, said: “It’s quite an unusual fundraising idea, but the models are already selling well and look set to raise a good amount for the charity.”

The models were made by specialists Search Impex and each come with a custom certificate. They cost £100 each with 100 per cent of the proceeds going to GNAAS.

To purchase a model visit gnaas.com/shop