A charity air ambulance service that responds to incidents in Cumbria is asking the public to play their £10,000 top prize raffle to raise funds.

The Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) offers advanced life-saving treatment via helicopter mainly during daylight and a rapid response vehicle at night, serving seven days a week in the North East and most nights in Cumbria.

David Stockton, chief executive at GNAAS, said: “Our highly trained doctor and paramedic team can perform surgery, administer drugs and even provide blood products by the side of the road.

“This highly skilled, emergency medical care comes at a price; it costs £23,200 to run our service daily, and despite the amazing support from the general public, it is still likely that we will need to draw from our reserves to keep the service running.”

(Image: Great North Air Ambulance Service)

The annual raffle comes with prizes such as an overnight stay in Middleton Lodge and a three-night stay in Northumberland.

Alan Pearson, who won last year's top prize, said: "It’s vital work that GNAAS does, it’s saving lives.

"So, I would tell any of the people, if they can afford to play the raffle, do it."

Raffle tickets can be bought by visiting the GNAAS website or calling 01325 487263.

The draw will be held in early December.