THE North West's threatened air ambulance will be flying high after bosses announced enough funds to keep it in the air 365 days a year.

Air crews feared they would have to cut the number of flying days from seven a week to five due to lack of funds but were thrown a lifeline six months ago after the NHS Regional Executive stepped in with £1million.

But the cash windfall was only enough to keep the helicopter in the air for another six months and was due to run out in two weeks time.

However, fund raising has been so successful that the chopper will now be able to fly for a full week all year round.

The registered charity, which is based at Blackpool Airport, began in May 1999 and receives no NHS or government funding. Leasing and staffing costs about £700,000 a year, much of it donated by the National Association of Air Ambulances, sponsored by the AA.

There is a fundraising lottery to make up the remaining £400,000, and for just £1 a week entrants can win up to £1,000.

Alan Jude, financial director of Lancashire Ambulance Service, said: "Last year's funding from the regional health authority was really a stop gap, because while the fundraising and lottery were progressing they were not progressing at the levels we needed to support the ambulance at the time.

"Since then things have reached a level where we are optimistic we should be fully self contained to keep the ambulance in the air seven days a week 365 days a year."

To help the fund-raising efforts call 0151 527 2511 or to join the lottery telephone 01772 711424. FLYING HIGH

Examples of recent rescues:

Air crews were called out to a record number of jobs over Christmas and New Year, with 40 call out outs in one week.

One patient needed airlifting to Blackburn Royal Infirmary after a sledging accident at Stubbins, near Ramsbottom

An elderly lady was also rescued by the paramedics after hurting her leg on the Nick of Pendle, between Sabden and Clitheroe.

Stephen Hough, 28, of Sandon Street, Blackburn, was airlifted to hospital with multiple head injuries in December after an accident with a car in Newhouse Road, Huncoat.

Another patient was rescued before Christmas after a road accident on Blackburn Old Road, near Hoghton Tower, when he became trapped by his legs for 60 minutes.

He was airlifted to Preston Royal Hospital in just three minutes.

Air crews were on the scene in minutes to rescue seven-year-old Chloe Smith after she fell down a river embankment and broke her leg in three places last May.

Chloe, of Spring Vale, Darwen, was transported by the helicopter to Park Lee Hospital, Blackburn.