‘DEVON is at the heart of everything we do’, says the county’s air ambulance charity as it launches its summer fundraising campaign.

Devon Air Ambulance’s ‘Heart of Devon Summer Appeal’ calls on people to support its lifesaving missions during its busiest time of the year.

During the summer holidays, residents and visitors alike explore Devon’s coastline and countryside.

But, with greater road traffic and increased outdoor activity, the summer months also bring a sharp rise in missions, the charity says.

And each mission costs an average of £4,500, with the surge in demand during the summer.

‘Last year, I was part of the crew who were called to help four-year-old Zalan’, said Advanced Prehospital Paramedic at Devon Air Ambulance, Alex.

‘While enjoying a day out with his family Zalan was kicked in the face by a horse at Haytor Rocks on Dartmoor’ Alex said.

‘A sudden, serious illness or injury like Zalan’s can happen to anyone at any time, and thankfully, we are always ready to respond’ Alex added.

As a charity, Devon Air Ambulance receive no direct government funding and rely entirely on donations from local communities and kind-hearted individuals.