THE man known to many as Mr Air Ambulance, because of his work for the charity, has died.

Charles Knight, 70, from Leigh Sinton, died at home last weekend. He had cancer.

A retired fitter, who had worked for a number of local companies including Carmichaels and Perrins, he spent the last 13 years fundraising for the County Air Ambulance service.

Mr Knight got involved in 1993 when he opened his garden and model village to raise money for the charity and went on to become a volunteer fundraiser and local co-ordinator. For the last three years he donned red robes and a white beard as the air ambulance's flying Santa, dropping in at the Leigh Sinton Christmas Tree Farm.

His work for the charity also meant a meeting with royalty. He met Princess Anne at RAF Cosford when she came to see the launch of a new helicoptor.

"He was an absolute stalwart for county air ambulance. He ate, slept and breathed air ambulance and raised many thousands of pounds to support lives that were in need," said appeal organiser Ian Nicholls.

"He was a champion among

men. He really was Mr Air Ambulance. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him."

Mr Knight's widow Jacqueline said her husband enjoyed his charity work because he loved meeting people. After he retired early due to ill health he wanted to do something useful, she explained, and as a new charity with no funding he loved the fact that every penny raised for the county air ambulance service went to helping people and make a difference.

Mr Knight's funeral is at Worcester Crematorium on Tuesday, September 5, at 2pm.

Anyone who knew him is welcome to attend and give flowers or donations to the county air ambulance or St Richard's Hospice.