A new weather station has been launched in North Cornwall which will aid the work of the Cornwall Air Ambulance, who rely heavily on stations such as this when flying.

Previously, Pilots relied on information from weather stations located in Newquay, Penzance and the Isles of Scilly to gauge weather conditions in North Cornwall, which wasn’t always accurate enough to permit a safe launch.

The new site will provide valuable data where dramatic differences in weather conditions are often seen at opposite ends of the county.

The new station in Bude, which has been funded by Charity Ambassador Dr Karen J Dickens. It's purpose will be to assist in accurate reporting of local conditions, making it easier than ever to determine whether the helicopter can fly to incidents in the north coast area.

Karen said: “The Cornish people did an amazing job of raising the funds to buy the new helicopter and continue to do so to keep the Critical Care Paramedics in the air.

“So, it is only right that the charity Pilots have access to the best and most up-to-date information too.”

Karen donated £26,000 to build the new station, which won’t just support Cornwall Air Ambulance missions, but will also help other emergency services in the county, too.

She added: “The Critical Care Paramedics and Pilots do an incredible job every day, and I am glad that I can support them in their lifesaving missions with my personal donations and fundraising activities, along with those of my company, Comitti Boats UK & Caribbean.”

Karen donated £26,000 to build the new station, which won’t just support Cornwall Air Ambulance missions, but will also help other emergency services in the county, too.

Following the launch of the station, Richard Dixon, Pilot for Cornwall Air Ambulance, said: “The weather in Cornwall is extremely changeable and yet there are limited weather stations throughout the county. The new station in Bude will help us make important decisions on when to operate the helicopter.”

To find out how to donate or to get involved with volunteering for Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust, click here