MORECAMBE man Justin Mawtus has landed a dream role as a flying paramedic.

The extreme sports fan, pictured, has been appointed as the North West Air Ambulance's first full-time airborne medic.

He has been with the NWAA since 1999 when he worked part-time on the helicopter on secondment from Lancashire Ambulance Service.

He was also with the rapid response vehicle, based at Lancaster ambulance station, for four years.

Now the 33-year-old says: "Taking on this role with the air ambulance is an exciting step for me and my future development as a paramedic.

"Working with the regional helicopter emergency service is very fulfilling and I feel very lucky to have the opportunity to do a job I love."

His primary responsibility is to respond to emergency calls using his t paramedic skills, but Justin also logs enquiries and handles visits by the public and other emergency services to the unit at the airport as well as dealing with day-to-day duties.

And he expects to be busy in his new job - the air ambulance is called out four times a day on average.

o In 2003 Justin received a commendation after rescuing a 12-year-old boy from the River Ribble near Preston.