A Wales Air Ambulance Charity volunteer is encouraging people to join the team after raising thousands of pounds for the service since joining in 2017.

Ifor Davies, a grandfather from Pencaenewydd, has been involved with the charity for seven years after witnessing an incident on the Epynt ranges where two of the charity's aircraft assisted with casualties.

Mr Davies said: "It prompted me into thinking, 'hang on, isn't it about time we try to put something back into this charity for all the work that they assist us with?'"

Wales Air Ambulance is consultant-led, taking hospital-standard treatments to the patient and, if required, transferring them directly to the most appropriate hospital for their illness or injury.

It is delivered via a unique third sector and public sector partnership.

The Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS) supplies highly skilled NHS consultants and critical care practitioners who work on board the charity’s vehicles.

Ifor at the tractor run (Image: Supplied) Mr Davies said: "I think it is so important to raise awareness about the work the service does, and the best way is through fundraising events."

He was part of a team that staged a tractor run in April, raising £720 for Wales Air Ambulance and the Pencaenewydd chapel's fund.

He also helped set up the Taith Eryri Tour, a tour of classic cars and competition cars.

He said: "People travel miles to take part in the event.

"There is a great atmosphere and it attracts enthusiasts from everywhere."

Mr Davies has raised close to £10,000 for the charity through the car tour alone.

He said: "People are always hugely supportive of the charity, I’m amazed at their generosity.

"When they hear what the cause is, they want to donate."

As well as his volunteer work, Mr Davies works part-time for his daughter and son-in-law’s eBay shop and is also the Regional Officer for Motorsport UK in North Wales.

He said: "The motorsport community is incredible.

"They understand the importance of the work the team does and want to do as much as they can to help too."

Ifor Davies as mascot (Image: Supplied) Reflecting on being a volunteer, Mr Davies said: "It is so worthwhile and so rewarding when you meet people who have made use of the service.

"There is nothing like giving back to your community."

Elaine Orr, fundraising manager for north-west Wales, said: "I personally want to say thank you to Ifor for volunteering.

"We are immensely grateful for his willingness to give his time, energy and talents."

For more information about volunteering with Wales Air Ambulance, visit the Wales Air Ambulance website.