The Hertfordshire Air Ambulance, which provides vital pre-hospital care to patients across the county, is celebrating its first birthday.

Since its launch 12 months ago, the air ambulance has flown on more than 320 missions across Hertfordshire, taking patients to the most appropriate hospital for their condition within minutes.

And following the initial fundraising effort to collect the £250,000 needed to secure the helicopter, more than £840,000 has now been raised to ensure it stays in the air.

To mark the anniversary, a 1940s themed “hangar party” was held at the ambulance base at North Weald Airfield on Friday, November 20.

The hangar was transformed into a party venue for more than 120 guests, complete with a stage, bunting, banners, banqueting tables and a backdrop of a starry night sky.

Jane Gurney, executive director of Essex and Herts Air Ambulance Trust (EHAAT), said: “I would like to thank everyone who attended and helped celebrate a successful year for the Herts Air Ambulance and raise over £800 on the night. A big thank you to Weald Aviation which has provided the home for the Herts Air Ambulance for the past 12 months and for letting us host this special birthday party in the hangar.

“It was such a successful evening, the Herts Air Ambulance team made a special effort and dressed for the occasion in 1940s outfits plus special guest Su Harrison did a great job of hosting the event. We now look ahead to another successful year for the charity.”