FILM and TV star Ray Winstone has given an Earls Colne charity a major boost after recording a video asking people to support its latest appeal.

A celebrity patron of Essex & Herts Air Ambulance (EHAAT), Ray Winstone is supporting the charity's `Buy-a-Brick’ appeal, which is raising funds to help with the build of their new airbase at North Weald.

The trust is currently based at an airbase in Earls Colne.

All the virtual bricks from the fundraiser will be used in the walkway to the helicopter viewing area which will be accessible from a new interactive visitor centre.

The trust say there are four virtual bricks available, from Bronze at £10 to Platinum at £100 Gold and Platinum brick supporters will have their name on a permanent display.

In the video, Ray asks the people and businesses of Essex and Hertfordshire to `purchase a brick or two’ in his own unique style to support the project.

Pam Withrington, Fundraising and Marketing Director at EHAAT said: “As soon as we started sharing this very special recording on our social media channels, there was a jump in the number of people buying bricks, so Ray is clearly a persuasive man!

"He has been a highly enthusiastic supporter of the charity for many years, and we appreciate everything he does for us.

“Our new airbase at North Weald, which will open later this year, is a vital part of securing the future of our life-saving service for the people of Essex and Hertfordshire, and everybody who contributes to our Buy-a-Brick appeal will have played an important part in this amazing legacy for our communities.”

For more information visit ehaat.org/buy-a-brick or contact 0345 2417 690 or contactus@ehaat.org.

Ray’s video can be viewed at www.ehaat.org/ray-winstone-video/