A 19-month-old boy is part of a family that raised £12,000 for the Midlands Air Ambulance because they know it's a lifeline when living in a rural area.

Heidi Cooke from Eardisley, near Kington, said her son Oliver was really enthusiastic about fundraising for the charity and was thrilled when he visited the air ambulance base at Strensham.

Last year the family raised money for the Born Sleeping Appeal, because like the air ambulance, everyone she speaks to knows of somebody who's been affected.

"This year we supported the air ambulance because we already had a marquee up, we wanted to help the local community," Ms Cooke said.

"We raised money for the air ambulance and we also got enough money for a defibrillator. We contacted local businesses for prizes and they were all really generous.

"My dad is a farmer and anyone you talk to knows someone who's been helped by the Midlands Air Ambulance, the same as the Born Sleeping Appeal.

"It's very real, you don't want to ring, but dad knows farmers who have needed them. We are so aware, living in the rural countryside the helicopter is a lifeline that you never want to use but would be lost without it."

The charity auction was made possible after 100 small businesses donated prizes, as well as the support from the main donors including Sunderlands, Heineken and Monnow Marquees.

Along with his family, Oliver was able to spend time on June 28 exploring the helicopter, learning about the work they do and talking to the pilot and paramedics.