WILTSHIRE Olympic medallist Shelley Rudman and teenage Para-cyclist champion Lauren Booth have become charity ambassadors for Wiltshire Air Ambulance.

They have also been joined by broadcaster Alan Dedicoat - best recognised as the Voice of the Balls on the National Lottery and for his voiceovers on Strictly Come Dancing.

All three share a passion for WAA and are committed to helping to raise awareness and funds to enable the charity to save more lives.

Ms Rudman who is an Olympic silver medallist and was skelton bobsleigh World Champion, said: “Generally around where I live, Wiltshire Air Ambulance is very well regarded and there are often fundraising activities which I have been part of or donated items of kit to.

"I’ve become an ambassador for it because it’s a local Wiltshire charity and is very much needed in such a rural area. You also never know when and who may need it.”

Lauren, 15, of Chippenham, a member of the British Cycling Academy, said: “I’m really pleased to support Wiltshire Air Ambulance and to help raise awareness of the invaluable work carried out by the charity.

"The air ambulance covers such a large area and is able to get to the required locations within minutes, with highly trained medics and extra medical equipment on board, to help save lives.”

Mr Dedicoat said: “I have friends who live in the Wiltshire area and I frequently use the M4 from my home in London to get to the West Country. I know of the good work that Wiltshire Air Ambulance does and I know how – in a medical crisis – speed is of the essence.”

David Philpott, Chief Executive of WAA, said: “We are delighted that Shelley, Lauren and Alan have become charity ambassadors for Wiltshire Air Ambulance.

"They are well respected and inspirational in their respective fields.

"Their support of Wiltshire Air Ambulance will help boost our profile and raise the funds we need to operate an essential helicopter emergency medical service in Wiltshire and surrounding counties.

“Shelley, Lauren and Alan all understand the importance of fundraising for charities and we thank them for giving their time to help us with that and using their connections to spread the word about Wiltshire Air Ambulance.”