An Ashby de la Zouch-based fundraiser has passed his target for 2024 in his bid to help the Air Ambulance service across the East Midlands.

Martin Cooper has raised a total of £3,000 since the turn of the year.

He set out in January to raise funds through Volunteer Community Presentations for more than a mission for Warwickshire, Northamptonshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance.

Martin said: "The sum I've now raised with pledges is £3,000 with special thanks to the Ashby-based Ferrers and Ivanhoe Lodge Freemasons, the Rotary Club of Ashby de la Zouch Castle, Melbourne Probus group, Ashby U3a and Hugglescote WI.

"I'm now signed up as an Air Ambulance volunteer community speaker covering North West Leicestershire and South Derbyshire.

Earlier this year, Martin raised more than £600 from his tour of 24 Air Ambulance stores in the East Midlands.

Along with his mascot Marty, he started his 890-mile journey on January 11 in Ashby.

He finished in Bakewell, Derbyshire, and raised awareness for the Air Ambulance charity as well as the funds.

The Air Ambulance's life saving missions are funded by the public's generous donations. The charity does not receive any Government funding.

WNDLR Air Ambulance flies two regional helicopters across the East Midlands.