YOUNGSTERS in East Lancashire are being told the sky's the limit for a contest to name North West Air Ambulance's new helicopter.

Organisers are hoping children will get their thinking caps on and come up with a name for their newest recruit, which will also get them thinking about safety issues too.

The aim of the competition is also to get local children more involved in fundraising for the charity.

The contest to name the helicopter is open to youngsters under 12 and the lucky winning youngster will be a guest of honour at the air base in Blackpool airport and will also get to meet the pilot and aircrew.

Organisers will not be painting the new name onto the helicopter itself, but hope it will help raise the profile of North West Air Ambulance.

Chief executive Jackie Northover said: "Hopefully it will get children more involved with us.

"We want to encourage children to get involved in fundraising for us.

"This is to coincide with the launch of a children's club in March, which will have a safety theme.

"We probably won't be painting the name on the side of the helicopter, but the name will become well known by our members and especially the children."

If you would like to enter the contest, contact the air ambulance on 0151 527 2511.