FALKLANDS war pilot the Duke of York has become the Honorary Chief Pilot for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.
Prince Andrew visited the helicopter's HQ at Leeds Bradford Airport last month and met volunteers, patients, fundraisers and supporters. He unveiled the unit's new computerised Dedicated Air Desk and said, "The role of being Honorary Chief Pilot for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance is one I accept with great pleasure."

The Dedicated Air Desk - the first of its kind in the country - consists of live links to Yorkshire's four ambulance control rooms, enabling a faster and more effective deployment.
The Yorkshire Air Ambulance costs £1.3m a year to run (£3500 a day) and relies on voluntary donations. Since October 2000, it has flown more than 5000 missions and transported more than 800 people to hospital. One former patient met the Prince. Sarah Beal, 19, was thrown by her horse two years ago. The horse landed on top of her, breaking her hip and causing internal injuries. She was flown to hospital in 15 minutes, which almost certainly saved her life.
W: www.yorkshireairambulance.org.uk