Iconic talk show host Sir Michael Parkinson helped celebrate Cornwall Air Ambulance’s 30th anniversary by supporting an auction which raised more than £34,000 for the charity.

The star dropped by the Newquay airbase with his wife Lady Mary to find out more about the charity, meet the crew and tour the helicopters. 

During his visit to Cornwall Air Ambulance headquarters, Sir Michael and Lady Mary met trustees and staff, as well as former airlifted patient Juliet Bray who broke her back during a horse riding accident.

Sir Michael travelled to Cornwall to be guest of honour at a charity auction held at the Idle Rocks Hotel in St Mawes in June. The event was organised by the celebrity’s friend and Cornwall resident John Casson. It featured a selection of sought-after items for sale, including a Tricorn hat worn by the actor Aidan Turner in Poldark which fetched more than £2,000.