REDDITCH Big Hearts have handed over a cheque for more than £2,300 to help keep the County Air Ambulance flying high.

The money, which was raised through various fundraising activities, was presented to the air ambulance's area co-orinator Jenny Ashman at Rocklands Social Club earlier this month.

Mrs Ashman said: "It's a fantastic amount to have raised, our thanks go to everyone concerned. The Air Ambulance is the people's, for the people, and funded by the people.

"It's absolutely wonderful the folks in Redditch have raised such a magnificent sum to help us keep the helicopters in the air and those people who need us."

Not content to rest on their laurels, the Big Hearts committee is already planning events for its 2006 fund which is yet to be decided.

So far the committee has received just three nominations for the forthcoming year for worthy causes in the Redditch and Bromsgrove area to be considered.

Next year will be the Hearts' 20th fundraising year and members are keen to get started on maintaining their excellent record.

A spokesman said: "It is our aim to have fun, to let everyone else have fun, and to build a pot of money for those who need it.

"We have always found you can raise more money with a smile than with a frown."

All nomination should be sent the Redditch Big Hearts, The Rocklands Social Club, Rookery Close, Headless Cross, Redditch, B97 4LB.