£250,000 is needed. Photo supplied by Great Western Air Ambulance Charity

A £250,000 campaign has been launched by an air ambulance charity to help save lives.

Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC) kickstarted its Movin’ on Up campaign his month as it seeks to replace the helicopter it has used since 1970.

GWAAC chief executive John Christensen said: “Imagine running a normal ground ambulance service with vehicles dating back to 1970. It would be unthinkable.

“Luckily, helicopters are maintained to much higher standards. But even then there are limits.

“We do not want to be in a position where the Civil Aviation Authority – the UK’s airspace watchdog – says we can’t use our aircraft any more.”

The Bolkow 105 model currently used was not designed to act as an air ambulance and GWAAC believes a new model could cut the time it takes to reach emergency scenes and help save lives.

If the charity can raise the quarter of a million pounds, it would be able to lease a modern and purpose-designed helicopter

Mr Christensen added: “This is not just an appeal for a slightly better piece of equipment.

“A new aircraft is urgently needed and would secure the future of a life-saving service for this region.”

The charity, which receives no Government funding, requires £1.5million in donations every year to keep airborne.