ANOTHER night landing site has become operational for Devon Air Ambulance. This one is in the school grounds at Cheriton Fitzpaine.

It was launched on Friday afternoon (March 29) when Toby Russell, Devon Air Ambulance Trust Community Landing Sites Development Officer, took an assembly at the school, explaining how the new light would work.

It all happened thanks to the kind thoughts of members of Cheriton Fitzpaine Football Club whose ground has been used as a daytime landing site.

Football Club chairman, Shaun Hill, said they began fundraising three years ago when it was decided to give the funds from their summer ball to the fund.

At first it was thought £12,000 or more would be needed which would have meant getting the village involved in fundraising, but then it was found that a little more than £3,000 was the sum.

The football club gave £1,000, local Devon County Councillor Margaret Squires put in £1,000 from her county fund, Mid Devon District Council gave another £1,000 from its TAP (Town, Parish and Community) fund and two local families - Tony and Margaret Martin and Rene and June Birch, added more from their Christmas lights displays.

Mike Beresford, football club committee member, commented: "We were lucky that the money fell in place. About three years ago the Government provided some funding for air ambulances which helped us."

This was the 116th night landing site to become operational for DAAT, others closest to Cheriton include Templeton, Witheridge and Lapford. Crediton is still in progress. There are another 20 in the pipeline.

In the field under the tall lighting column, Toby Russell explained that during the day the air ambulance landed where it could. In the darkness, which meant late afternoon in the winter, this would be another designated site with the pilot knowing what hazards there might be.

This can save time at night with the light to help paramedics and doctors who might be working around the helicopter with less reliance on torches.

"It is about speed and safety," said Toby. "This is a very quick landing compared to using unknown ground."

He thanked the football club adding that the school site was that bit nearer the village than the club ground. The combination padlocks for the school security fencing were not a problem.

Headteacher Mrs Glynis Harris added that having the landing light at the school made the pupils more aware of helping the community and understanding the work of the red helicopters.

Toby added: "We are delighted to see this site operational and it is thanks to Cheriton Fitzpaine Football Club for doing so much towards galvanising the community and raising funds.

"It is thanks too, to the school for allowing the light to be installed and operational and being so receptive. We hope we do not have to use the light but it is there if we do.

"It is not so much about the time getting here, it is getting to the appropriate hospital as soon as possible and this sort of landing site helps enormously."