THE region's two air ambulances have been boosted by a £5,000 donation.

North Yorkshire County Council has given the Great North Air Ambulance and the Yorkshire Air Ambulance £2,500 each from the Harrogate area committee.

The committee was told about developments in the Great North Air Ambulance Service, which aims to raise £3m by October next year to replace its ageing helicopter with one that has autopilot capabilities.

Councillors also noted that the Yorkshire Air Ambulance's speed of response means it could arrive anywhere in North Yorkshire within 25 minutes.

Chairman of North Yorkshire County Council, Councillor Clifford Wilson, said: "In a large rural county like North Yorkshire, air ambulances provide a vital service in getting medical attention for people as quickly as possible. I'm delighted that the county council has been able to give them financial support in this way."

Since the Teesside aircraft was launched, in July last year, it has flown more than 550 times.