THE North West Air Ambulance service has launched a new public appeal on Monday to raise £500,000 for a new helicopter.

The charity says it needs the money to replace the 30-year-old aircraft which it currently uses.

That helicopter, which can fly to many parts of the North-west within minutes from its base near Blackpool, needs replacing before it has to be legally withdrawn from service.

The charity does not receive government funding and hopes people across the North-west will organise events to help raise funds.