The North West Air Ambulance Charity has been given an award to promote its efforts in volunteer work.

The group have been given the Investing in Volunteers quality standard, an accreditation that proves the charity has a strong commitment to volunteering.

After five days of intensive external assessments by the Investing in Volunteers’ assessors, the charity received the good news on Wednesday, November 1.

Roger Smith, a volunteer from Cumbria, said: ‘‘The reason I volunteer is to provide support for a very important local charity.

"One day we or someone we know might need the services provided so it’s vital we give back."

The Investing in Volunteers accreditation is the UK quality standard for good practice in volunteer management. 

The North West Air Ambulance Charity has over 500 volunteers spanning the whole of the North West.

Their dedication, time and skills are integral to the charity so it can continue its lifesaving work.

“I can share my knowledge and experience with the charity but most importantly for me, it provides that go-to place, to make new friends, have a laugh and support mental health well-being," Mr Smith added.

Since the beginning of the year, the North West Air Ambulance Charity has been called to over 143 incidents across Cumbria.

The charity is solely funded by public donations, with volunteers helping to raise the vital funds needed to keep the charity going.

Helen Doward, Head of Volunteering, said: “It really is a reflection of how much we value our volunteers and the incredible impact they make.

"We are proud to offer an exceptional volunteer experience and invite people across the North West to come and join our lifesaving team.”

The North West Air Ambulance Charity is looking for volunteers to join its team in its Kendal retail shop.

To learn more about their lifesaving work or to explore volunteering opportunities, you can visit nwairambulance.org.uk.