Yorkshire Air Ambulance helicopters will blaze a trail on the district’s buses as part of a charity campaign.

Nearly 500 adverts promoting the rapid response charity will appear on First Bus vehicles across Yorkshire.

The space – valued at about £100,000 – has been donated by Exterion Media, which specialises in outdoor advertising on transport networks throughout the UK.

John Ainley, Exterion Media business director north east, said: “We have worked with the Yorkshire Air Ambulance for many years now. They deliver an incredible service – often in life and death situations – but do it all by relying on donations from people and businesses across the region.

“As our media reaches people right across our region we feel it is a privilege to take this message out and help ensure this vital service continues. None of us ever know when the air ambulance will be called on to help us!”

Yorkshire Air Ambulance needs to raise £9,990 every day to keep its two helicopters in the air – the equivalent of £3.6 million a year.

Abby McClymont, marketing and communications manager for Yorkshire Air Ambulance, said: “The offer of advertising space from Exterion Media has been invaluable to us.

“Having nearly 500 of our adverts being driven across the Yorkshire region is just fantastic and is helping us to spread awareness about the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and the work we do.

“As we are an independent charity, we have to rely on the support of individuals and business such as Exterion Media, and we cannot thank them enough for this.”