THE North West Air Ambulance has flown its 7,000th mission.

The ambulance was deployed to an incident at Trax in Preston yesterday afternoon after a 30-year-old man came off his bike and suffered serious spinal injuries.

It was first on the scene due to the difficult access of the patient.

The patient was stabilised and transferred by Air Ambulance to Royal Preston Hospital where he is undergoing treatment.

Lynda Brislin, Chief Executive of North West Air Ambulance said: "It is a major achievement to have flown 7,000 missions since the launch of the Air Ambulance in May 1999.

"This would not have been possible had it not been for the generosity of the wider community of the North West region.

"As a charity costing £1.9 million to keep operational and receiving no mainstream funding we cannot thank our supporters enough."

For more information ring Lynda Brislin on 07799 694573.