THE Devon Air Ambulance Trust (DAAT), the registered charity which raises money to fund the county's two emergency aircraft, has published its first ever annual report.

The 16 page document has been designed to clearly explain the charity's role, its operations and achievements, fundraising activities, the work of its volunteers, a summary of financial information and its plans for the future.

It includes photographs taken by Courier Editorial manager/photographer, Alan Quick, at incidents local to Crediton.

DAAT Chief Executive Heléna Holt explained: "As the scale of the operations we support has increased year-on-year alongside the aim of keeping two emergency helicopters in the air when and where they are needed, so too has the income we need to attain these objectives increased.

"As a result, we feel that it is more important than ever to maintain the highest levels of transparency in all things we do. As members of the FundRaising Standards Board, we are committed to treating the public with respect, fairness, honesty and clarity in all money raising activities.

"We want everyone in the county to give with confidence on the grounds that they know we are scrupulous, thorough and transparent in administration, governance and when we are handling their money."

During 2008, DAAT purchased its own EC135 emergency helicopter, gained planning permission for a new purpose built airbase for its North Devon operation and established a dedicated Air Ambulance despatch team at South Western Ambulance Service NHS Trust's control room.

"During that time, the charity treated and/or conveyed to hospital more than 1,100 people around 10 per cent of whom were children."