North West Air Ambulance launches 'Helicopter Hero' badge

The initiative, which can be completed at school, at home, or through community groups, is aimed at children of all ages.

It has been created to educate and inspire children with safety and first aid techniques, while also raising awareness and funds for the NWAA.

Last year, the charity was called to more than 500 incidents in Cheshire alone.

Emma Pearson, head of fundraising at NWAA, said: "We're extremely excited to launch our 'Helicopter Hero' badge.

"It’s a great way for young people in the North West to get involved with NWAA and learn about our lifesaving work.

The programme aims to educate and inspire (Image: Supplied) "The support we've received for the badge within the Cheshire region has been amazing since we launched.

"We’re able to save lives across the region because of the support within the community, as we receive no government funding and are not part of the NHS."

To earn the badge, children will have to complete a series of 'missions' which will teach them valuable lessons in empathy, responsibility, and community.

There are three stages to the badge.

They will learn about a lifesaving skill, raise awareness of the charity, and finally, fundraise for the charity.

Caroline Stott, a Brownie leader from Middlewich, said: "I met NWAA when I was at the Cheshire show with the Brownies.

"They explained about the new badge that the Brownies could work on, and I thought it sounded like something the girls would love to do.

"NWAA is a well-deserved charity to support, and it’s been a great way to help educate the girls.

"Being located near the M6, Middlewich often sees NWAA, it’s been great understanding more about the charity.

"The Brownies have learnt about the lifesaving service of NWAA and the importance of the charitable donations that they receive.

"They have also learnt about a new lifesaving skill and will be raising awareness and money for the charity in the coming months."