Wales Air Ambulance is celebrating its 12th birthday this week with the launch of a series of trials that could see the lifesaving helicopters flying at night.

The trials form part of a string of clinical and hi-tech advances at the charity, including new equipment for paediatric missions and specialist paramedic training.

WAA chief executive Angela Hughes said: “Thanks to charitable support we were able to upgrade our third helicopter last year, meaning all three aircraft are now capable of night-flying.

“This is a huge development towards our long-standing goal of being on standby 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If these trials are successful, we will be a step closer to supporting everyone in Wales in their most difficult hour of need, whenever that hour may be.”

The 12th anniversary comes just two weeks after the loss of Charity Chairman, Robert Palmer, who died after a short illness in February. Wales Air Ambulance will be remembering Mr Palmer at the launch of a new shop in Mumbles on 1st March, which will be officially opened by his wife Ann.