MIDLANDS Air Ambulance has announced the launch of a new lottery draw to raise vital funds for the lifesaving charity.

Players can win up to £1,000 each week. The first draw takes place on May 21, during the 18th anniversary celebrations of the service, previously known as County Air Ambulance. It will be held at Hagley Hall.

Charity workers, operational staff and lottery organisers were present at the launch of the lottery, at the Cosford base of Midlands Air Ambulance.

Paul Leaman, charity director of Midlands Air Ambulance, said: "We are confident that our lottery will prove a big success, enabling the public to win cash prizes while, at the same time, helping our charity to keep the air ambulance service flying."

The lottery consultancy services are provided by Tower Lotteries, whose operating director, Simon Mulvaney, is backing the lottery to become as popular as the charity itself.

he said: “The Midlands Air Ambulance charity is extremely well-respected across the region. The lottery is a fun way for everyone to be able to support the air ambulance, knowing their contribution helps in raising the significant funds needed to keep the service in the sky.”

Details of how to join the Midlands Air Ambulance lottery can be found on the charity’s website, www.midlandsairambulance.com or by calling the charit’s base, on 0800 8 40 20 40.