Former patients who were rescued by the Great North Air Ambulance have been meeting the crews that helped them in their hour of need.

The group met with pilots and paramedics at the GNAAS base in Langwathby to talk about their experiences, update staff on their recovery and have a look at the Pride of Cumbria helicopter.

It coincides with National Air Ambulance Week, which is running until September 25.

It is a chance for all members charities of the Air Ambulance Association to promote the work they carry out on both a local and national basis.

Among them was Nick Thomas, from Langwathby, who was airlifted to Middlesbrough's James Cook Hospital in 2009 after a 50mph bicycle crash.

The 48-year-old suffered a broken shoulderblade, broken ribs and a broken collarbone.

He also punctured a lung.

He said: "I remember everything about it, pretty much. I was with a group and they were the ones who called the ambulance."

Terry Sharpe, senior air paramedic and base manager was at the scene to help treat Nick. He added: "He was in a very bad way. He actually couldn't lie down because it was causing more pain and so he walked into the ambulance."

Nick, who is back on his bike and actually cycled to the base to meet Terry, said: "I was in the James Cook Hospital for three weeks. It's a great opportunity to come down and meet the people that helped you and just to say thank you."