When they hear the sound of the rescue chopper heading over their homes at night, pilot Barry Vincent says anyone who is a friend of the helicopter can feel proud they've played a part.
The BayTrust Rescue Helicopter is midway through a three-week appeal to get more local people to sign up as a friend of the service, to help ensure it continues to provide the much-needed service to the community.
"We are at the sharp end of the work but the family and friends who hear the helicopter go over at night should feel proud they are helping to support us and our community."
Mr Vincent said it was hoped the appeal would see 1000 more local families join the ranks as friends. He said one of the benefits of the friends scheme was it gave families the chance to feel a part of the work the helicopter and its crew were doing.
"It's not just the big businesses and the big money we need support from. This gives mums and dads and families a chance to be involved," Mr Vincent said.