Mid Wales air ambulance to be expanded

Medical cover from the Welshpool-based Wales Air Ambulance is to be extended to seven days a week, it has emerged.

The current air ambulance is operational for five days a week, providing emergency cover to rural areas throughout Powys and neighbouring counties when necessary.

Now the srevice, which is paid for by voluntary donations and is based at the Mid Wales Airport near Welshpool, has said it will extend the Mid Wales service to seven days for a trial period of six months with the aim of making it permanent. However, the additional service will cost £300,000 more a year.

The helicopter was introduced to Mid Wales in 2006 on a trial basis, but was made permanent. Two other air amblnaces operate in North and South Wales and cost the service £5 million a year.

Charity chief executive Angela Hughes said: "This is an incredible landmark for the charity but our next challenge is to keep the service at seven days and we will need your help to do that - even the smallest of donations will help to make a lifesaving difference."