REDCAR and Cleveland Borough Council has issued an urgent plea to the Government to allocate funds to help maintain the air ambulance service.

The council believes that, instead of the service having to rely on charitable donations, it should receive central funding.

Cabinet member for health and social services, Councillor Valerie Halton, received all-party support for such funding during a meeting when she revealed a firsthand experience.

"I live on the edge of the moor and heard the air ambulance fly over and discovered it was helping the mountain rescue team," she said.

"In fact, the air ambulance brought a young lad down from the top, and probably saved his life because the hospital was able to deal with his injuries so much quicker.

"The speed in which the air ambulance reacted is what's referred to as the 'golden four minutes' that can make a difference between life and death."

Councillor Dave Fitzpatrick, who seconded the motion, added: "Rescue services should be funded from central Government, whether they operate on land, air or sea. It's about what's right and proper - not politics."