NORTH West Air Ambulance will take delivery of a state-of-the-art helicopter later this year thanks to a half-a-million pound bequest from a supporter of the charity.

North West Air Ambulance (NWAA) has received a £500,000 residual legacy from the estate of Katie Caine, a keen supporter of the charity from Thornton Cleveleys, and can now afford a new helicopter to replace the aging German Bolkow helicopter which is currently in use.

The NWAA intends to replace it with a technologically advanced EC 135 helicopter, which will provide a faster and more efficient service. It has several advantages over the present one, including more room on board for paramedics and relatives of the patient, and bigger fuel tanks so it can fly for longer without refuelling.

The NWAA expects to take delivery of the helicopter in December 2005, and will honour the lady who made it possible by naming it after her.

A statement given by the executors of her estate said: "Katie had no immediate family and was interested in the work of the North West Air Ambulance. Katie would have been proud to think that the new helicopter would bear her name and that she would be able to help so many people from all over the region."

Chief executive of the NWAA, Lynda Brislin, said: "We had set aside 18 months to raise the additional funds needed to upgrade the helicopter and this generous donation now means that the new vehicle is on order and we can continue our work much more quickly than anticipated. Katie Caine by no means led a privileged lifestyle and we are proud that the new air ambulance, when it is delivered, will always be known as Katie in her memory."

The NWAA relies entirely on donations to raise the £75,000 a month needed to keep the air ambulance in the skies. For details, call 0800-587-4570.