Wales Air Ambulance marks 10th anniversary with a first

Wales Air Ambulance celebrates its 10th anniversary with its three helicopters coming together for the first time.

They will drop in at a public "birthday party" being held at Margam Park at 1230 GMT as the charity's helicopter supplier will provide free cover.

The three helicopter services are normally based in Swansea, Welshpool and Caernarfon.

"This really is an extraordinary achievement," said charity chief executive Angela Hughes.

"We were the last region in Europe to have air ambulance cover, but it has since grown to be one of the busiest operations.

"None of this could have been achieved without whole-hearted support from the public, so we welcome everyone to come and see the helicopters they have so passionately helped over the last 10 years."

The charity started its mission on St David's Day 2001, growing from a one-helicopter service based in Swansea to operating three located "to reach any part of Wales within 20 minutes".

It costs £5m a year to run the service from public donations which, so far, has carried out 14,000 missions