AN incredible £24,000 was raised at Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s annual open day at its Strensham airbase on Sunday.

The free event, which is now in its eighth year, saw over 3,000 families and supporters from all over the Midlands come along to find out more about the lifesaving work of the charity.

The day included tours of the EC135 helicopter based at Strensham, and visitors also had the opportunity to watch the arrival of the charity’s new H145 air ambulance, an Alouette ex-military air ambulance and an R44, which all flew in to support the day.

Amongst the activities was the helicopter simulator, heli-bouncy castle, aircrew talks and demonstrations, and souvenirs on sale. Other emergency services on display included Central Motorways Police, West Midlands Fire Service and West Midlands Ambulance Service.

Jason Levy, fundraising and marketing director for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, said: “It’s always brilliant to see so many people turn out to find out about the lifesaving work of Midlands Air Ambulance Charity and support our cause.

“In order to keep our three helicopters in the air and our aircrew savings lives, Midlands Air Ambulance Charity needs to raise over £9 million each year, and with no government or national lottery funding, raising awareness at events such as this are vitally important.”