The Great Western Air Ambulance is encouraging Bristol Evening Post readers to spread festive cheer by email – and at the same time support its appeal to raise £1.3 million to keep its helicopter flying.

The unit's charity has launched a lighthearted Christmas e-card to spread the word of their work.

Great Western Air Ambulance (GWAA) hopes people will make a donation in exchange for using the message, either what they would have paid to buy traditional Christmas cards or more for those who want to.

The unit does not receive statutory funding and needs at least £1.3million a year to provide its life-saving service.

GWAA only flies five days a week because it can not afford to operate for longer until there is more funding in place.

The crew consists of specialist critical care paramedics, whose wages are paid by the ambulance service, and emergency doctors who give their time voluntarily to provide A&E-level care at the scene of incidents.

The GWAA charity has launched the e-card, which features Father Christmas being rescued by the GWAA crew as he attempts to deliver presents.

It is clearly set in Bristol, with the backdrop of the Clifton Suspension Bridge.

Chief executive of the GWAA charity, Paul Weir, said: "The card features the landscape of Bristol, where the air ambulance is based and we appeal to everybody to get on to the website, open the card and send it to their friends, colleagues and relatives.

"It is a fun way people can keep in touch and if it encourages people to raise money for us as well, it is even better.

"Our air crews will be out on these cold days over Christmas saving lives and every penny we receive makes a difference," he told the Bristol Evening Post.