Special visitor at Marina Court

The residents' lounge was crowded as Delaine Shearman, charity organiser for Sussex Air Ambulance, accepted their cheque for 400.

It was presented by Pat Taylor, chairman of the social club at the seafront block of flats.

On the wall of the lounge was a photograph of the air ambulance which, from its base at Dunsfold, now serves 1.2 million people in East and West Sussex, together with a certificate marking the residents' previous donation.

The air ambulance was purchased and now operates thanks entirely to voluntarily-raised funds, Delaine told the assembly.

The 400 was raised at a club social evening which featured a tombola and raffle, treasurer William Bennett had earlier explained.

Delaine told residents: "A huge, huge thank you.

"I know the crew would have loved to have been here but they have been on duty since 7am."

She added: "Without your help and support we couldn't do it. It is only through the help and support of people like yourselves that we have been able to fund the helicopter and the crew, paramedics and onboard doctor."

Illustrating the dramatic way in which the Sussex Air Ambulance is now saving life, she told how it had come to the aid of a man struck by a train. The man had to undergo emergency surgery on the track before being air-lifted to a London Hospital.

"But he survived."