AN air ambulance charity in the North-East is hoping to receive a £250,000 windfall to boost its life-saving work, as part of a £5m package of donations.

The Association of Air Ambulances (AAA), which represents the majority of air ambulance operators in the UK, says a £5m donation from Libor fines will make a significant difference to patients across the UK.

The Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) could be in line for a £250,000 boost as part of the announcement.

A spokesman said the charity understands its application for a share of the funding has been successful, but it is awaiting further confirmation.

He added: "£250,000 is clearly a significant amount and would provide a long-lasting legacy.

"The grant has been earmarked for supporting future accommodation needs for the charity, as current leases expire in 2018.”

It remains to be seen whether Yorkshire Air Ambulance, which is not a member of the AAA, will benefit.

The funding was confirmed following a meeting between Chancellor of the Excheque George Osborne and the AAA, whose charity will distribute the money among 20 local air ambulance charities.

Mr Osborne said: “From enabling the fantastic Air Ambulance services to extend their flying hours, to helping build brand new specialist headquarters, this funding will play a vital role on helping to save hundreds of lives every year.

"It is absolutely right that we use funds from those who demonstrated the worst values to reward those who demonstrate the best, like our hardworking air ambulance crews.”

The Libor scandal came about after Barclays was fined £290m for fixing the inter-bank interest rate.

The AAA says the combined changes will be worth £15m to air ambulances over the next five years and potentially equate to the saving of 800 lives per year.