A new Eurocopter, which will cost around £90,000 a month to run, will be officially presented to the Essex Air Ambulance at a spectacular launch on Friday, May 30.

The handover will take place in Colchester Castle Park and will offer an afternoon of free entertainment for all the family and everyone will get a chance to see the new Eurocopter 135 which replaces the 30-year-old Bolkow.

The helicopter will increase the charity's costs by around £25,000 a month but it is sure its fundraisers will keep the money rolling in so they can continue to help people in emergency situations.

Head of fundraising and development, David Philpott, said: "Most people are unaware of the incredible network of supporters which volunteer their time and resources to support the charity. It is because of their hard work that the financial support continues to come in.

"We will need around £3,500 a day in fundraising to pay for this but I am confident in our brilliant team whose efforts ensure we always have enough."

"We owe it to our crew of pilots and paramedics as well as our patients to offer the best possible working environment available.

"The Eurocopter will not only provide improved navigational aids, it will also give more room in which to administer in-flight trauma care and also, where necessary, allow a family member to fly with a distressed patient."

The launch event has been funded by businesses in the Colchester Town Partnership and will offer everyone a chance to see the new helicopter and to see the old one for the last time. There will also be music and entertainment with the handover at 2pm.

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