A REFURBISHED police car has joined the fleet of the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS).

The ground response vehicle is equipped to a similar standard as the helicopters, and will take doctors out into the field.

It will be used when the weather is too bad for the service’s helicopters to fly, or when they are undergoing maintenance.

The Skoda VRS Octavia is a former Cleveland Police traffic car, which was sold to the charity at a knockdown price.

The Freemasons Provisional Grand Lodge of Durham donated the money to buy the car, which will be based initially at Durham Tees Valley Airport.

It is hoped the other GNAAS bases in Northumberland and Cumbria will eventually have their own car.

Grahame Pickering, of GNAAS, said: “This is another improvement to the service which will benefit the people of the region.”

The car was kitted out using money donated by Peter and Stephen Welsh.

The father and son from Acklam, near Middlesbrough, swam between five Greek Islands for the charity and raised £1,200.

Peter Welsh said: “My son and I are both involved in outdoor pursuits, so it is good to know that this service has just got better.”

The deal was organised by Cleveland Police fleet manager Keith Laycock.

Mr Laycock said: “I thought it would be an ideal vehicle for GNAAS to get hold of.”

* Pictured are, from left, pilot John Smith, Dr Phil Godfrey, Assistant Chief Constable Sean White, paramedic Terry Sharpe, paramedic Kevin Hodgson, fundraiser Peter Welsh, PC Ian Lince, paramedic Jane Peacock and Matthew Ward, director of operations for GNAAS.