MANY residents of the moorland parish of St Breward have had reason to be grateful to the air ambulance during the 25 years since its inauguration, as its isolated location and distance from a hospital has meant the arrival of the helicopter has often been a real 'life saver'.

Landlord of The Old Inn, Darren Wills, is a long term supporter and there has not only been a collection point on the bar, but also an on-going exhibition of paintings by local artist Anna Corns, who has donated her commission on sales to the air ambulance.

Anna was thrilled to be asked by the Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust (CAAT) to paint a picture to hang in their new headquarters at Newquay Airport. It shows the helicopter and its crew in a cornfield on a beautiful sunny day.

Paula Martin, CAAT chief executive, said that there obviously wasn't a patient waiting to go to hospital just at that moment!

For the full report, and a round up of the area news and sport, please see this week's edition of the 'Post'.