A technology firm in Cornwall is helping to keep the county's life-saving air ambulance in the air.

ITEC, based in Redruth, is now providing IT support for Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust (CAAT) following a rigorous tendering process. The essential back-up ensures vital computer communications remain robust, enabling the charitable trust to raise the money to fund the helicopter’s 700 missions a year.

CAAT, which receives no taxpayers' money or National Lottery grants, relies on fundraising to raise the £3 million needed annually to keep the lifesaving helicopter and crew flying. The trust identified the need for a more resilient IT infrastructure and a comprehensive disaster recovery plan.

ITEC, the south west’s largest independent supplier of office print and reprographic equipment, provides industry-leading IT services through subsidiary company Stem Group. Chief executive Nick Orme said: “We are honoured that ITEC has been chosen to provide IT support to CAAT's fantastic team, so they can focus on what they do so well.”

Paula Martin, chief executive of CAAT, added: “The charity’s IT infrastructure is essential since, amongst other purposes, it safeguards the communications that raise the necessary funds from the public that keep Cornwall Air Ambulance flying. We are delighted to be working with ITEC.”

Kevin Roberts, ITEC’S account director Cornwall, said: “As a Cornishman from Hayle, I have always been proud of the excellent service provided by Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust. With increasingly stringent regulations around data protection and threat management for all types of organisations, the need for robust security and business continuity planning has never been greater.”