THE North West Air Ambulance is one of five ambulance charities in the UK to benefit from a share of £2.2m funding announced by the Government.

In addition the NHS will meet the cost of about £150,000 for staffing every air ambulance in the country with a paramedic crew.

The new cash will be shared between North West, Yorkshire, Dorset and Somerset, East Anglia, Thames Valley and Chiltern air ambulance services.

Health minister Hazel Blears said: "We realise that it takes time for local air ambulance charities to build a fundraising base so this money will make sure that those who aren't yet in a position to meet their full running costs are supported.

"In particular circumstances the availability of an air ambulance brings benefits to patients, helping ambulance services to move them to and between hospitals with the minimum of delay and this money will help maintain air ambulance coverage around the country."

The Blackpool-based North West Air Ambulance covers the entire region from Cheshire and Merseyside, Lancashire, Cumbria and Greater Manchester.

David Hill, chairman of the North West Air Ambulance, welcomed the cash boost, saying: "We welcome the financial boost which will greatly assist the funding of the sir ambulance service. This is vital to patients who are in need of a very rapid transfer to hospitals throughout the North West."