LEGENDS of rock music and motor racing have teamed up to support a lifesaving charity.

Musician and composer Nick Mason, best known as the drummer of Pink Floyd, attended the Midlands Air Ambulance base at Strensham, near Worcester, to hand over more than £18,000 on behalf of motorsport legend John Surtees and the Henry Surtees Foundation.

Mr Surtees, a multiple world champion and Isle of Man TT winner, set up the foundation following the death of his son Henry whilst competing in a Formula 2 race in 2009, aged just 18.

As a keen supporter of the air ambulance and self-confessed petrol head, boasting a large collection of vintage and classic cars, Mr Mason was happy to support the cause.

The donation of £18,275 was presented to Midlands Air Ambulance crews on Friday and will be used to fund specialist equipment designed specifically for critical care transport, including a Zoll X Series Monitor, defibrillator and aircraft bracketry.

Mr Surtees said, “With a background in motorsport, I have spent my life largely chasing time round the race tracks of the world.

"I know that every second counts and none more so than for the Air Ambulance Services when accidents or illnesses occur."

Since 1991, Midlands Air Ambulance has responded to more than 43,000 missions, averaging 2,000 per year.

Each Air Ambulance mission costs £2,500, and more than £7 million is needed each year to keep its three air ambulances operational.

The service receives no Government or National Lottery funding, relying on the support of the public and local businesses.