GENEROUS North Lancashire people have won praise for helping to keep the North West Air Ambulance flying.
Charity chiefs at the voluntary emergency service feared a drop in donations following the tsunami disaster in Asia.
If the donations stopped flowing, the helicopter could have been grounded.
But air ambulance chief executive Lynda Brislin says: "We know the tsunami has had a serious impact on many charities, but we were very fortunate and it appears that people appreciate the vital service we offer.
"Because everyone is aware of our charitable status and recognise the importance of the NWAA continuing, donations have not ceased."
She adds: "We do not receive any mainstream funding and at a cost of just under £1m a year to maintain, we continue to rely totally on the generosity of people of the region."
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