The North West Air Ambulance (NWAA) is appealing for any old and unwanted mobile phones, to help them raise money for the region's only medical air emergency service.

The registered charity is able to recycle mobile phone parts and in return receives much needed cash, which will go towards the £75,000 it costs every month to keep this vital service running.

Jackie Northover, Charity Assistant Chief Executive comments: 'At this time of year, people begin to throw away all their old bits and bobs and we urge the public to donate any old mobile phones to the North West Air Ambulance. Some people may have even received new phones for Christmas and have their old ones sitting in a drawer.

'You never know when you might need this vital service yourself. It doesn't cost a penny to send us the mobile phones so please consider sending us any old handsets free of charge to FREEPOST NORTH WEST AIR AMBULANCE.' The NWAA receives no mainstream funding to cover its region of 5,500 square miles and a residential population of seven million people. The NWAA covers all major motorway incidents, all serious accidents including horse riding, rugby and motor cycling, serious road accidents and incidents in areas that have poor and restricted road access including golf courses, fells, woods or beaches. On average the NWAA is called out four times a day, rising up to ten in the summer.

Expert pilots and paramedics work 365 days a year to watch over the people of the North West. To donate to the NWAA call the free donation hotline on 0800 587 4570.

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