MIDLANDS Air Ambulance is running night-time services for the first time in its 23-year history.

Latest figures reveal 38 patients were flown to hospitals at night between September and December after donations enabled winter flying time to be extended from 10 to 14 hours a day.

The extension brings the winter service operated by the three helicopters in line with their summer flying hours.

Air operations manager Becky Tinsley said: "This has only been possible due to the tremendous support we receive from the public and the hospitals that have provided lit helipad landing sites.”

More lit helipads, aircrew training and equipment is needed to expand the night service further.