A SOUTH Lakeland air ambulance pilot has said he has been 'blown away' at being given the top award at the industry's awards ceremony.

Neil Airey, who lives at Spark Bridge near Greenodd, has been crowned the UK's Air Ambulance Pilot of the Year.

Mr Airey, of the North West Air Ambulance (NWAA) has racked up 16 years of service, having been based at the charity's Blackpool home since 2001.

He has flown the charity’s doctors and paramedics across the North West to help them deliver rapid, urgent pre-hospital care and treatment to patients in their time of need.

Praised by judges as an “incredible role model”, Neil has flown and attended over 6,000 missions across the North West region, many of which have involved the rescue of patients in perilous mountain accidents.

Captain Airey has also kept the North West Air Ambulance’s helicopters in the air thanks to his fundraising efforts. As a charity which receives no day-to-day government or National Lottery funding, donations are vital to keeping the service running.

He said: “I’m honestly blown away by the recognition. I could never have predicted that after boarding the charity’s helicopters for the first time all those years ago, I would’ve received this award.

"Knowing my part in helping people - often in particularly grave situations - has been recognised, is humbling.

“I’ve had an incredibly rewarding career and as I approach retirement next summer, I want to thank my wonderful crew and everyone on the ground at the charity for their unwavering support, and every single one of our generous supporters and donors for keeping myself and the crew in the air over the years. It’s been an honour to fly for the North West Air Ambulance, and an honour to have received such an important award. It’ll be taking pride of place on the fireplace!”

Heather Arrowsmith, CEO at the NWAA, praised his win. She said: “Neil is truly one of a kind, and everyone is over the moon for him. It’s impossible to do justice to his incredible service and the massive impact he has had on our charity, our patients, their families and the entire community.

“Our doctors and paramedics are able to provide urgent care to patients thanks to the tireless and swift work of our pilots, including Neil – he’s given the gift of time to so many people across the North West, which is of course thanks to the continued support and generosity of our community."”