A YORK company is the first in Yorkshire to make a hefty contribution towards a major new corporate sponsorship package to bring a new air ambulance helicopter to the city.

Corries Solicitors, a national personal injuries law firm which incorporates the UK's biggest legal team acting for victims of asbestos-related illnesses, has given £10,000 to Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

The contribution comes as Yorkshire Air Ambulance, which has flown 5,000 emergency missions since its launch in autumn 2000, steps up its new corporate funding initiative, which includes providing first aid training to businesses, a recycling service and a Yorkshire Air Ambulance Lottery.

Mark Dawson, director of Corries personal injury department, said: "The air ambulance provides an invaluable service to everyone in the region, and we are delighted to support the new Yorkshire Air Ambulance sponsorship package.

"Our work in handling serious personal injury claims has made us increasingly aware of the importance of ensuring that individuals receive immediate medical attention. We are pleased that our involvement will help the service expand and go on saving lives."

Yorkshire Air Ambulance, which flies 1,000 missions a year, operates a twin-engine MD902 Explorer crewed by a pilot and two paramedics. The service currently operates within 20 minutes flying time from Leeds Bradford International Airport and costs £3,500-a-day to run.

The service has recently invested in a new dispatch desk linked to all key ambulance stations in the region which enables it to fly to accidents within three minutes of a 999 call. The innovation also enables the service to reduce speculative call-outs so it can help more emergencies while flying fewer missions.

Martin Eede, Yorkshire Air Ambulance's chief executive, said: "In today's competitive climate, we realise that it is no longer enough to turn up once a year expecting a cheque.

"Funds have to be raised through long-term, value-for-money partnerships with our sponsors. "The sponsorship package enables businesses to contribute through different budgets and by meeting existing spending commitments, such as first aid workplace training, which is a legal requirement.

"We are delighted that Corries Solicitors is among the first to support this package and hope many other businesses will follow suit and help save lives at the same time."

Businesses can find out more on how to support the Yorkshire Air Ambulance by phoning 0845 120 6060 or by emailing info@yalottery.co.uk.