THE future looked bleak for the North West Air Ambulance when Government funding for the flying emergency service ran out earlier this year. But yesterday people who owe their lives to the air ambulance gathered to celebrate its fifth birthday and were told that it would be continuing for many more years to come. Reporter ANDREW HEWITT was there to hear the positive message. . .

THE Chief Executive of the North West Air Ambulance allayed fears over its future on its fifth birthday and declared: "It's here to stay."

But the star of the show - the ambulance - turned up for its own birthday bash two and a half hours late, after attending three emergencies.

People from across the North West congregated at Gawthorpe Hall, Padiham, to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the air ambulance.

And despite recent news that government funding will no longer be available to help meet its £900,000 annual running costs, there was great optimism about its future.

Chief Executive Lynda Brislin said the charity now relies wholly on donations but said the helicopter would continue to be airborne.

She said: "The air ambulance has being a hugely successful, just look at the people here, who under different circumstances may not be here.

"The air ambulance will most certainly continue to fly. It is here to stay and will go from strength to strength in the future."

On March 31, government funding which was worth £400,000 over two years ran out.

Mrs Brislin said the charity works all year round to raise the funds to keep the ambulance running.

Last month comedian Peter Kay raised £65,000 by performing at the Opera House in Blackpool, and there was several cheque presentations at the day including from the Padiham Inner Wheel and the Barrowford Over-50s club.

"It is the people of the North West who keep the ambulance in the air through their efforts.

"They are amazing people and should be very proud that they have kept it flying."

The former mayor of Brierfield, Keith Tomlinson, was taken to hospital by air ambulance after been involved in a head on crash near Skipton in 2001.

He said the ambulance saved his life after the accident in which he suffered two heart attacks, multiple internal and head injuries and a shattered pelvis.

"I am here to support the air ambulance as much as I can as I feel I owe my life to the air ambulance."

Anyone who is interested in volunteering to help the air ambulance should ring 0151 527 2511.