A “life-saving lottery” to help keep Shropshire’s air ambulance service in the sky has been launched.

Midlands Air Ambulance yesterday announced that there is now a new weekly draw to raise funds for the charity. For a £1 ticket, lottery players can win up to £1,000 each week. The first draw takes place on May 21 – to coincide with the 18th birthday celebrations of the service.

Charity workers, operational staff and volunteers were present at the launch, which took place at the Cosford base of Midlands Air Ambulance.

Paul Leaman, charity director of Midlands Air Ambulance, said: “We are confident that our lottery will prove a big success, enabling the public to win cash prizes, while at the same time helping our charity to keep the air ambulance service flying.”

The lottery consultancy services are provided by Tower Lotteries. Operating director Simon Mulvaney said: “The Midlands Air Ambulance Charity is extremely well-respected across the region.

“The lottery is a fun way for everyone to be able to support the air ambulance, knowing their contribution helps in raising the significant funds needed to keep the service in the sky.”

The charity receives no Government, NHS or National Lottery funding and requires £5.6 million each year to ensure the life-saving helicopter service continues to fly across the region.

It costs £25 for every minute the helicopter is in the sky and almost £2,000 every time a patient is airlifted to hospital.

Details of how you can join the Midlands Air Ambulance lottery can be found on the charity website at www.midlandsairambula nce.com or call 0800 840 20 40. Payments can be made by cheque or standing order.

By Sophie Bignall