THE County Air Ambulance is calling on communities in Worcestershire to support the organisation, particularly as 2005 is the Year of the Volunteer.

Paul Weir, fund-raising development manager for the Air Ambulance, which is entirely dependant on donations from the public, said voluntary work could include a few hours work organising fund-raising events.

"All the work carried out by our volunteers assists in the smooth running of the service, which literally keeps the Air Ambulance operational," he said.

"Our volunteers really do help us promote a local charity to local people which is certainly very rewarding."

The cost of running and maintaining the current level of operations stands at £2.4m.

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer should call the Air Ambulance on 01384 241133.