THE AA has been unveiled as the backer of a new air ambulance which will help save lives in East Lancashire.

The motoring organisation is to sponsor the National Association of Air Ambulance Services in a three-year £14 million deal.

The project involves the supply of seven new helicopters, including one for Lancashire, which will fly in the traditional AA yellow and black colours.

The intention is to have the whole of the UK covered by air ambulance services by 2002.

Lancashire will be one of the first two areas in the country to receive the new helicopters next month.

It will be based at Blackpool Airport and staffed by 10 flight paramedics and technicians from Lancashire Ambulance Service, including three from East Lancashire.

The funding from the AA will supplement cash already raised by public contribution for local air ambulance charities.

The AA sponsorship will also help support the nine air ambulances currently being operated in England and Wales as well as the three National Health Service-funded helicopters in Scotland.

"National provision of this vital service will benefit everyone," said AA director general John Maxwell.

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