AN HISTORIC motorsport event in Droitwich is set to support a life-saving air ambulance charity this year.

The Chateau Impney Hill Climb, which is set to take place between Saturday, July 9 and 10, has partnered with the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, now in its 25th anniversary year.

At the Hill Climb, the charity will have a static display, giving visitors an insight into the life-saving work undertaken by the service.

Rod Spollon, Hill Climb event director, said: "We are delighted to be able to support such an important and hard-working charity.

"Many people will be surprised to know that air ambulances in the UK receive no government funding and only fly and operate due to the goodwill and donations of companies and individuals.

"Given the nature of our event, it seemed apt that our first charity partner should be the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity."

As well as taking part in the Hill Climb, the charity will be running a series of events and activities throughout 2016 to celebrate not only 25 years of air ambulance operations across the Midlands, but the impact the charity has made on so many lives throughout that time.

Jason Levy, fundraising and marketing director for the charity, said: "We are honoured to be the chosen charity for the Chateau Impney Hill Climb in our Air25 anniversary year.

"The weekend is set to attract a great number of visitors, giving us the opportunity to highlight the importance of our pre-hospital emergency service, and help raise funds to enable us to fly further life saving air ambulance missions across the Midlands."

Launched in May 1991 as ‘Air5’, the charity was one of the first air ambulance services in the country and had just one helicopter flying out of a temporary airbase five days a week.

Now, the charity has three helicopters serving a population of six million people, and has responded to more than 43,000 missions to date.

Following its successful revival last July after a near 50-year absence, the Hill Climb will see 200 pre-1967 cars race against the clock to claim victory on one of the UK’s most challenging hill climb courses.

Along with the day's motorsport action there will be a Concours d’Elegance, a vintage funfair, air displays and a major classic car auction, hosted by specialist auctioneers, H&H Classics.

For more information, or to buy tickets, visit chateauimpneyhillclimb.com and to find out more about the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity go to midlandsairambulance.com