Volunteers for a tin collection in Swindon town centre are needed by the Wiltshire Air Ambulance Appeal on Saturday 22 April.

The event is timed to coincide with the tenth anniversary of the service which is jointly operated by Wiltshire Police and the ambulance service. Whilst most of the running costs are met by the police, the ambulance element has to be met by public contributions. The service receives no public funding and this year the appeal target has risen by £40,000 to over £200,000.

Based in Devizes, the Boeing Explorer helicopter can reach any part of Wiltshire within eight to 12 minutes and has become essential in saving lives of people who would die if transported on congested roads. Recently the helicopter airlifted its thousandth patient to hospital.

Kevin Hitchens, air ambulance paramedic and sub-officer on the flight team says, "please help; remember, 'it could happen to you,' there may be a time when you or a member of your family will be thankful that the air ambulance exists."

Twelve people are needed to rattle charity tins in the town centre. To offer your help, call fundraising coordinator Steve Chesworth on 01249 463431. Contact him for information about the appeal, making donations or helping at other fundraising events.