A BRADFORD-BASED company has given the Yorkshire Air Ambulance its largest ever single donation, getting plans for a new helicopter off to a flying start.

The donation of £944,254 was made by Yorkshire Building Society (YBS) based on deposits placed in its Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) affinity savings accounts over the past year.

It will contribute towards the charity’s plans for a future replacement helicopter and takes the total donated by the Society to YAA since 2007 to more than £2 million.

YBS Savings Product Manager Gary Lacey said: "Yorkshire Building Society is committed to supporting good causes where our members and colleagues live and work. To have been responsible for the largest ever donation to the YAA is something the Society is very proud of.

"We are delighted to be able to help such a vital service as Yorkshire Air Ambulance, which is close to the hearts of many of our members in the region."

YAA chairman Peter Sunderland said: "This is the largest, single donation the charity has ever received and we are overwhelmed by the support of the Society."

The company's head office is based on Yorkshire Drive, off Rooley Lane, Bradford.