An air ambulance which will serve the people of North Yorkshire was launched today at Leeds Bradford airport.

The helicopter, which has been adapted for medical purposes, is to be based at the West Yorkshire airport, but will offer a Yorkshire-wide service.

And North Yorkshire people will be able to see it for themselves, when it lands at the Museum Gardens on Friday morning.

The helicopter is being managed by West Yorkshire Metropolitan Ambulance Service (WYMAS), in association with Tees, East and North Yorkshire Ambulance Service.

It is being funded through charitable donations, through the Yorkshire Air Ambulance Charity Board, which aims to ensure the people of Yorkshire receive the best possible pre-hospital care.

The ambulance will respond to a range of emergencies.

David Richardson, chairman of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance Charity Board, said: "The operation is intended to offer a Yorkshire-wide service and its location will provide access to both rural and urban conurbations."

Patients with severe injuries, particularly those injured in accidents with trauma to the head, chest and abdomen, have a greater chance of survival if they receive prompt emergency treatment and are rapidly transported to hospital.

Paul Ferguson, director of strategic development at WYMAS, said: "In such circumstances, the speed of response is crucial. In particularly serious accidents or illness, time can be a vital factor in the chances of survival and speed of recovery.

"Adapted specifically for medical purposes, the helicopter can bring life-saving paramedic skills and rapid transport to the most appropriate accident and emergency department for the patient's needs. The helicopter can offer travel at 140mph and access to isolated and difficult locations with a smooth journey, avoiding road traffic hold-ups."

The air ambulance will not replace traditional ambulances, but will be an additional service.

The National Association of Air Ambulance Services has provided the majority of funding for the first year's running costs, thanks to their sponsor, the AA.

There will be more funding towards the next two years, but the Yorkshire charity will need support from Yorkshire people to remain operational.

Anyone who would like to help the charity can telephone 08451 206060.

The helicopter will be at the Museum gardens from 10.30am on Friday morning and the York City mascot, Yorkie the lion, will be in attendance.