A UNIQUE chance has taken off – to name a lifesaving helicopter.

The Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, which recently acquired a new hi-tech aircraft, is running a competition to help find a name for the new AW169 helicopter.

The aircraft became operational on June 12 and has already flown a number of life-saving missions in the two counties.

The aircraft is the first AW169 to enter air ambulance operational service in the UK and is the culmination of years of planning and development.

Within hours of being on-line, the Critical Care Team were tasked to their first incident which involved a man who had suffered a cardiac arrest.

The charity is now giving members of the public an exciting opportunity to help find the aircraft a name. The selected name will be displayed upon the aircraft for all to see, for years to come.

Suggested entries should sum up what the helicopter is all about and the important part it plays in the delivery of the service. Entries should be no more than 25 characters long (including spaces) and they should be submitted by email or post only.

The closing date is Friday, October 20. Entries via telephone or social media will not be accepted.

A panel of judges, which will include both the charity’s patrons, Lord Lieutenant of Dorset, Angus Campbell and Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, Annie Maw, together with other representatives from the charity will decide on the winning name when they meet on Tuesday, October 24.

The winner will be notified on Friday, October 27 and invited to an official event later in the year where the name will be unveiled.

n How to enter:

Entries should be titled: ‘AW169 Naming Competition’ and include full contact details of the sender. They should be submitted by email to: communications@dsairambulance.org.uk or via post to: DSAA, Landacre House, Castle Road, Chelston Business Park, Wellington, Somerset TA21 9JQ.

More information on Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance can be found by visiting www.dsairambulance.org.uk or by calling: 01823 669604.