The aim of the Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance Trust has been to raise enough income, not only to keep the yellow Bolkow flying 10 hours a day for 365 days a year, but to increase reserves enough to enable an upgrade to the next generation Eurocopter EC135.

Colin Lee M.B.E. Chairman of the Trustees says" The arrival of this new helicopter marks a significant new era in the development of the Air Ambulance service in our region.

The new helicopter means we now have the ability to deliver a faster, and therefore more effective emergency service in providing medical attention to those who need it, and also the increased capacity will enable a carer, such as a concerned parent, to accompany the patient to hospital

I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to everyone who has supported the Trust, and our commitment to continue making improvements to the service we provide will continue."

The Crew have completed their training and the helicopter with its unique call sign G-HBOB, which represents the three counties of Berkshire Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire, is now fully operational and in service, and has already flown several missions.

The helicopter was on show the Oxfordshire Golf Club yesterday (Monday) for the staff, volunteers and invited sponsors to view, but will be available for public viewing for the first time at the Ferrari Funday at the Newbury Showground on July 20