A "FLIGHT For Life" lottery to keep the air ambulance flying high has been launched.

The weekly draw will form the major source of funding for the Blackpool based air ambulance which costs £700,000 a year to maintain.

For £1 a week entry those taking part have the chance of winning five cash prizes including a jackpot of up to £1,000 and 50 consolation prizes.

The helicopter serves over six million people in the North West and has been in action several times in the Fylde since its launch in May.

Its missions have included road accidents, hospital transfers and many other life threatening emergencies.

The helicopter carries a pilot and two specially trained ambulance crew allowing medical help to reach emergencies in minutes rather than hours in most cases.

Although it is partly sponsored by the Automobile Association it relies on public support to continue. Promotions manager Diane Phillips said: "It is hard to describe just how important this service is to the people of the Fylde. But most do not realise the service relies on public support as it receives no government or NHS funding.

"Rather than just asking people to make donations, which of course are desperately needed, we need people to join our lottery.

"It covers a huge area and we are trying to raise £1 million a year to cover the costs not only of our ambulance but also fund a second as demand for the service increases.

"The cost of the air ambulance is high but what price can you put on saving one life?"

The Friends of North West Air Ambulance are also looking for volunteers for other fund raising events.

For more details ring the Friends of the North West Air Ambulance (01772) 711424.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.