The Air Ambulance service operating in East Lancashire has raised its fundraising targets in a decision “vitally important to the charity’s future”.

North West Air Ambulance has raised its fundraising target by £6 million yearly to expand its lifesaving service, which is funded entirely through donations from the public.

New targets aim to raise £18m annually and are in place to cover the next financial year as well as ensuring the continued provision of lifesaving services, including night-time operations seven days a week and helicopter upgrades.

Dave Briggs, operations director at NWAA, said: “Our new target is going to be difficult to achieve but it is vitally important for the charity's future.

"Over the last 12 months, we’ve spent nearly £300,000 on fuel alone for our two helicopters based in Manchester.

“Raising the extra funding is essential to deliver our exceptional lifesaving work, without it people wouldn’t get the treatment they need and the very best opportunity at a second chance.”

Some of the improvements to the operation include plans to expand the blood-on-board service across all helicopters and cars, as well as increasing the ‘night-car’ service from two to seven nights a week.

Helicopters have also been updated, which allows the team to fly more effectively whilst carrying an extra 115kg of weight.

A bespoke medical interior will also be refitted to improve access and functionality for both the crews and patients.

Mr Briggs added: “The new fundraising requirement also takes into consideration a new contract with our helicopter provider, alongside rising operational costs, which covers everything from fuel for the helicopters and cars to the leases on our retail charity stores across the five North West regions.

“We receive no funding from the government or the NHS, we appreciate the ongoing support from our donors, volunteers and partners.”

In the last 25 years, North West Air Ambulance has attended more than 45,000 missions and donations can be made through its website.