Cornwall Air Ambulance is uniting the community in a festive effort to raise funds for a second lifesaving helicopter.

The charity's latest initiative involves a catchy sea shanty song, "Sing it Home," which features the voices of over 300 local musicians.

It accompanies a pop-up style festive animation, released as part of the charity's Heli2 Appeal.

The animation tells the story of a young boy who writes to Father Christmas, requesting a second helicopter for the Cornwall Air Ambulance to assist more people like his mother.

The letter's journey across Cornish towns and villages is powered by the community's singing, and it ultimately reaches the North Pole.

Elves get to work building the aircraft in their workshop, but there’s suspense over whether they will complete it in time to 'sing it home' for Christmas.

(Image: Cornwall Air Ambulance) Critical care paramedic at Cornwall Air Ambulance, Jeremy Griffiths, features on the track.

He said: "Being involved in the recording of Sing it Home has been a great experience.

"We hope people enjoy watching the song come to life through our new Christmas animation.

"What a great way to bring the community together and join the mission to secure your second AW169 helicopter."

The charity is urging people to help them reach the £2.85 million target needed to bring a second AW169 helicopter to Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

This additional advanced aircraft would enhance the charity's resilience, capability, and versatility, enabling the crew to attend more missions across their 19-hour-a-day service.

Tim Bunting, chief executive at Cornwall Air Ambulance, said: "We want to be able to provide the very best service to every patient who needs us, and with your help, we can do that.

"Every donation this Christmas will be doubled by some generous donors, taking us a step closer to landing your second helicopter.

"Thank you to everyone who has supported us so far this year, you are making a lifesaving difference.

"Now is the time to join the Heli2 mission and support the appeal."

In the spirit of giving, all donations made to Cornwall Air Ambulance this Christmas will be doubled by 'little elves'.

For every £1 donated, they will use their festive magic, along with help from generous supporters, to make it £2.

Every contribution, regardless of size, will help save lives for many more Christmases and will go towards bringing the second helicopter home to Cornwall.

The animation can be watched and donations made at cornwallairambulancetrust.org/christmas.