Air ambulance raises £2.85m for second helicopter

The service's second air ambulance was built in Italy

Cornwall's air ambulance has reached its fundraising goal of £2.85m to buy another helicopter.

The money will be used to buy a second AgustaWestland AW169 helicopter, Cornwall Air Ambulance (CAA) said.

The helicopter, which has been manufactured in Italy, will allow the service to increase its coverage to "19 hours a day, 365 days a year", it said.

Chief executive Tim Bunting said he was "beyond thrilled", adding: "This is a seismic moment in our charity's history for the first time owning two helicopters."

Mr Bunting said the new vehicle was "only possible thanks to the incredible community spirit of our county".

He added: "I want to say a wholehearted and massive thank you for helping us to save even more lives for years to come."

The second helicopter, registration G-CNLL, is currently undergoing its medical fit in Gloucester and is expected to start service in the summer.

A spokesperson said: "The medical fit is the build in the rear cabin which enables the crew to bring the 'hospital' to scene.

"Essentially, it is all the components needed to turn the air ambulance into a fully kitted out critical care resource."