A NEW and improved model of helicopter is on its way to the Great North Air Ambulance – and they want the public to give it a name.

Here’s what suggestions readers had.

Dave Martin suggested: “I would love 'Chris Lewis' but if we can’t have that how about “Airwolf”?”

Ellen Kucera-Gordon said: “'MERRIAH', may the wind carry those to safety.”

Greg Mcgough commented: “‘Omnia’ means ‘wish’ in Arabic and ‘everything’ in Latin. The helicopter in times of trouble is everything we could wish for.”

Diana Clark suggested: “Stanley – fly high little man.”

Kathleen Hartley said: “Eric – after my Dad. They saved his life back in 2005.”

John Thompson added: “Soteria was the goddess or spirit of safety and salvation, deliverance, and preservation from harm.”

Valentin Jr Dorado explained: “Nightingale, in the spirit of Florence Nightingale and nightingale birds.”

Nick Hastings suggested: “Stanley Blue, after a special little brave boy who touched everyone’s heart.”

Leighton Rees added: “Chris Lewis Patterdale mountain rescue after the poor chap.”

Jenny Frith continued: “Hope, as when we see it flying about we always say we hope everyone is ok.”

Linda Beck suggested: “Captain Sir Tom Moore.”

Sophie Dunn commented: “Flight for life.”

The air ambulance service is retiring a helicopter that has been in use for 30 years and as part of its Helicopter Appeal, GNAAS has asked for a brand new name.