The Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance took off last week, responding to three missions in its first day and another nine since then.

But it still needs money to keep it saving lives, costing about £1.5million a year to run and relying solely on charitable donations.

This week 350,000 leaflets were delivered to homes across the region pleading with residents to play a part in the life-saving service and become a Founder Member.

Regional fundraising manager Barbara Parish said: "The response to the form is already starting to flow which is keeping me very busy. We've got to keep the momentum going and get everybody's support.

"President of the charity, singer Engelbert Humperdinck, should soon be returning to the airport to help raise the profile of this vital service."

The air ambulance uses the world's fastest helicopter, the Agusta 109E which can fly at speeds of up to 200mph.

To keep the chopper flying, it costs £2,000 in medical supplies a month, £10,000 a month for fuel and a £69,000 monthly maintenance bill.

But the fast angel of the skies can reach anywhere in Leicestershire within five minutes, covering some of the most dangerous roads and out of the way routes in the entire country.

It can get to anywhere in Rutland in 10 minutes.

Having a doctor on board, something very few other air ambulances have, means the service is almost taking the hospital to the victim.

A patient will be stablilised at the scene, meaning they can be taken to a specialist unit rather than the nearest emergency centre, which can save lives.

But to keep all this going, the charity needs help.

This can be given by a one-off donation, regular donations, a legacy in a will or by volunteering time.

* For more information visit www.dlraa.co.uk or contact Barbara Parish on (0115) 925 1863.