It will allow one of the YAA helicopters to be based in the North Yorkshire area on known busy periods and has the facilities for them to re-fuel if they have been operating in the area.

Currently, the two Yorkshire Air Ambulances have permanent bases at Leeds Bradford Airport and Sheffield Business Park. Having the additional facilities at Bagby will strengthen the YAA coverage in the north of the region.

Peter Sunderland, chairman of the YAA, said: "The charity is delighted with its new facilities at Bagby Airfield. This new base allows us to be more operationally flexible and will also assist the pilot and crew with access to re-fuelling the helicopters if they have been operating within the area."

'valuable work'

Martin Scott, owner of Bagby Airfield, said: "Bagby Airfield and many in the local community have always done their upmost to support the valuable work undertaken by the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

"This arrangement allows the airfield to show continued commitment to this most vital public service."

It costs £7,200 a day to keep the Yorkshire Air Ambulance's in the air and saving lives. To find out how you can support this life-saving charity, visit www.yaa.org.uk.