YOUNGSTERS are being shown how vital it is to get medical help to accident victims as soon as possible with the launch of a computer programme.

The CD Rom is the idea of the Great North Air Ambulance (GNAA) and has been distributed to schools throughout North Yorkshire as part of a fundraising and awareness campaign.

The Precious Minutes initiative, launched at Allertonshire School, Northallerton, hopes to raise funds for the charity while educating pupils about the urgency needed when attending accidents.

As part of the initiative, youngsters have been asked to raise money for the GNAA, which relies mainly on donations.

Air ambulance chief executive Graham Pickering said: "We are asking each school to raise £480 - the average cost for the ambulance to do one mission.

"They can raise the money any way they like, and the CD Rom will help to give them ideas and information about the charity. We believe it is important for children to realise the importance of the air ambulance and become involved in a charity that helps save lives in their community."

The campaign also hopes to cut the number of motorbike casualties on North Yorkshire's roads.

GNAA has teamed up with police and community safety partnerships to try and save lives.

"The casualty numbers are high partly because a large number of over-40s are finding themselves with the money to buy the big superbikes," said Mr Pickering. "But much of the problem is simply down to speeding. Bikers need to be more aware of the risks ahead and to slow down."

GNAA aims to expand the campaign to cover schools throughout the North-East in the near future.