By Nick Griffiths

Last updated at 13:14, Tuesday, 10 April 2012

Police raised £250 for the charity that runs Cumbria’s life-saving emergency helicopter during a national squash tournament for officers.

The county’s chief constable, Stuart Hyde, presented a cheque to the Great North Air Ambulance organisation after cash was raised during a raffle held at the competitions.

More than 80 bobbies from across the country took part in the annual UK Police Squash Championships, held last month at Carlisle Squash Club in the city’s Warwick Road.

The raffle raised £500, with funds divided between the Great North Air Ambulance and the Movember Foundation that raises funds for testicular and prostate cancer.

Mr Hyde met Jan Hawkins, the chairwoman of the Friends of the Pride of Cumbria air ambulance, to make the presentation at his constabulary’s headquarters near Penrith.

Mrs Hawkins said: “I am delighted to receive this generous donation.

“The air ambulance is a charity close to many people’s hearts and we rely on donations to keep our good work going.

“It is particularly special to be handed this money from the chief constable on behalf of police officers from around the country.”

Mr Hyde said: “Both charities are very worthy causes and I was privileged to hand over this money on behalf of policing colleagues from all over the UK.”

First published at 11:24, Tuesday, 10 April 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk