CAR cruise enthusiasts have raised almost £4,000 for the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS).

Four car lovers from the Tyne and Wear area organise motor runs across the North-East with their first big event held at Derwent Reservoir.

The event, which they now plan to hold annually, saw a 180-car convoy travel from Swalwell to the rural reservoir, on the border of Durham and Northumberland, in a 23-mile route in October. Cars, motorbikes and 4x4s from all over the country took part.

The main organiser, Micky Cowen, 23, from Blaydon, Gateshead, said: “The amount raised is absolutely mind-blowing. We’ve totally smashed our original £500 target. I can’t thank everybody enough for showing up and donating. We couldn’t have done any of this without each and every one of our supporters. The money will go a long way in saving people’s lives.”

The next event is being held on July 9.

GNAAS doctor Simon Le Clerc said: “We appreciate all of their hard work.”