Staff at the NEC Group have helped raise almost £15,000 to refurbish an air ambulance base in the Midlands.

The County Air Ambulance Trust received a donation of £14,643 to improve its facilities in Strensham, Worcestershire, after it was picked as the group’s chosen charity for 2011/12.

The money was raised through a series of events, including bake sales, dress down Fridays and contributions from NEC Group staff ticket sales.

The air ambulance crew now has a fully-equipped office space, secure equipment storage, and a living room and kitchen area.

* Pictured are paramedic Colin Apps, NEC Group chief executive Paul Thandi, County Air Ambulance Trustee Michael Henriques and charity director Robert Bertram.