A Suffolk man who won almost £20,000 in a lottery held by the region’s air ambulance service has urged people to donate to the charity.

Ross Cameron, of Bures, was the lucky winner of the East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) lottery accumulator on Friday, scooping £19,500. The prize had not been claimed for 39 weeks.

Mr Cameron said: “We can only afford to donate a small amount each month but we would like to encourage everyone to do the same.

“It is such a simple thing to do, but if everyone in East Anglia were to donate just a pound a week the EAAA would have the funds to keep flying.

“My wife and I will be using the winnings to take the whole family away on a holiday to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary in a couple of years.”

The lottery, launched in 2001, makes up a “large percentage” of the £7.6million needed by the charity annually.

Mike Burt, lottery manager at the EAAA, said: “The EAAA relies on supporters like Ross who play the lottery to keep the helicopters flying. We are extremely grateful for the support.”

To join the EAAA lottery or donate, call 01603 489400.