A PRIMETIME TV show has been credited for increasing the profile of the Great North Air Ambulance (GNAAS) - and bringing a rise of donations.

Emergency Helicopter Medics, which has aired on More4 on Sundays at 9pm for the past 10 weeks, has been following the work of GNAAS paramedics based in Penrith.

The charity, funded solely by donations, covers a 9,000 square mile area in the north of England, comprising of the North East, Cumbria, Northumberland and North Yorkshire.

The TV show, now in its second series, the first of which aired last year, has covered a range of callouts across the county, including a dramatic mountainside rescue, plus a crash on the Cumbrian coast.

Speaking after the cameras stopped rolling, pilot Phil Lambert said: “It takes a bit of getting used to having a camera following us around, but the series provides the public with a rare glimpse of what we do on a day to day basis in Cumbria and beyond.”

Viewers have taken to social media to share praise and help raise money for the air ambulance throughout the series.

Mandy Drake, deputy director of public liaison at GNAAS, said: “The series has definitely helped raise awareness of the incredible work of our critical care teams.

“As a charity we welcome this exposure as it not only showcases the varied workload and level of expertise we have on board our helicopters, but the fact that this is only possible thanks to the generosity of the public.

“Every year we need to raise more than £5m to survive and I’d say we’ve seen an increase in donations since the series started airing, which we are very grateful for.

“We’d love to do a third series and we’re currently in talks with the producer about it.”

Although an exact figure isn’t yet known, a spokesman from the charity said the television programme has led to an increase of donations since it starting airing at the beginning of March.

Ben McWilliams, volunteer co-ordinator at GNAAS said: “There’s been a big buzz about the TV series amongst our volunteers and from the feedback I’ve been getting they’ve really enjoyed it.

“Although they’re already aware of what we do at GNAAS, the series has given them further insight into what they are supporting.”

The charity will also be holding public bucket collections in the county over the coming weeks.

Events will be held at Allerdale District Council in Workington on May 11 and 18, and at Penrith Railway Station on June 28.

For more about the charity, including how to donate or fundraise, visit: greatnorthairambulance.co.uk