The has drawn to an official close after a soaringly successful year during which our generous readers raised £50,000.

The cash will be used to fund and equip a full-time flying doctor to join the crew of the county’s life-saving air ambulance helicopter.

The £50,000 cheque was presented on our behalf at the Cosford base of the air ambulance yesterday by 20-year-old Sarah Pryce, of Crew Green, near Shrewsbury. When just seven, her life was probably saved by the air ambulance which took her from Shrewsbury to Birmingham Children’s Hospital in just 14 minutes after she fell seriously ill.

Although the appeal has now closed, fundraising for the air ambulance, which relies entirely on public donations, remains as important as ever.

Paul Weir, air ambulance fundraising development manager, said: “To have raised £50,000 directly is a wonderful tribute to the Shropshire Star readers, but in addition we reckon it has brought in £75,000 from indirect donations which came as a result of the publicity the Flying Doctor Appeal has given us.”

Shropshire Star promotions manager Jackie Gaze said: “We’re indebted to our readers for their support in raising this amazing amount of money over the last year.

“Their generosity and sense of community will help take this vital service to a new level. We’re proud to have played our part in helping bring in a new era of clinical care to a service totally committed and dedicated to the people of Shropshire.”