AN upgraded helicopter will soon be serving the region after Lye’s Midlands Air Ambulance Charity were awarded £1 million from banking fines.

The charity, which runs from its base in Dudley Road, were awarded the money by the chancellor of the exchequer, Philip Hammond, during his autumn statement.

Hanna Sebright, chief executive for the charity, said: “The injection of funds via the banking fine comes as very welcome news at the charity as it will help further enhance our vitally important emergency service.

“The allocation has enabled us to place an order for an upgraded H145 helicopter, which will cost about £7 million.”

The charity currently owns one EC135 helicopter, based at RAF Cosford in Shropshire, and leases two further EC135 models from Babcock Mission Critical Services.

The new H145 helicopter will provide a great number of benefits to the cause, including a larger interior so young patients can be flown accompanied by a parent or the elderly with a carer or spouse, and will enable improved medical equipment to be carried on board to treat more complex emergencies.

Hanna added: “The new helicopter will be built over the next 18 months and will become operational in 2018.

“It is positive news for us at the charity and the communities we serve as it will ultimately benefit our patients for generations to come.”