Cornwall Air Ambulance experienced its busiest May on record, it has been revealed.

The service was dispatched to a staggering 117 missions, a rise of almost 20 per cent compared to last year.

Steve Garvey, air operations officer, said: "May was our busiest month of the year so far, our missions included a range of trauma and medical related incidents including 26 cardiac arrests, 11 road traffic collisions, three inter-hospital transfers and 10 taskings to the Isles of Scilly alone.

"A rise in emergency calls means a growing pressure on our aircrew, with more back-to-back missions, as well as higher demand on our aircraft."

(Image: Cornwall Air Ambulance)

In line with these increasing operations, Cornwall Air Ambulance’s Heli2 Appeal has reached the £1million mark.

The appeal focuses on securing a second AW169 helicopter for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly by the end of the year.

Owning an additional high-specification helicopter will ensure that the crew can respond better to calls, and carry out a greater number of missions by air.

Karen Hurn, head of fundraising and philanthropy, added: "This is a fantastic milestone to reach halfway through the year and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who has donated so far.

"There is still a long way to go to hit our £2.85m target and there are so many different ways that you can get involved, from becoming a Heli2 Hero and having your name featured on the second helicopter, to playing our BIG Heli2 Raffle or even funding a mission.

"By supporting the Heli2 Appeal, in whatever way you choose, you really can make a lifesaving difference."

(Image: Cornwall Air Ambulance)

However, with less than six months left of the appeal year, there is still a significant way to go to reach the £2.85million Heli2 target.

Tim Bunting, chief executive, said: "Cornwall Air Ambulance is your charity, we’re here for you if you should ever need us.

"And you can help us be there for more people across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly for years to come.

"Purchasing a second AW169 helicopter will massively improve the versatility and capability of our service, putting us at the forefront of advanced critical care.

"Your support will help us to save even more lives."

Find out more information via: https://cornwallairambulancetrust.org/heli2-appeal/.