TODAY,

Journal

community editor Kate Helyer (right) will put forward the views of hundreds of our readers at Number 10 Downing Street.

Kate will join North Devon MP Nick Harvey and campaign leaders Bob Thompson and his daughter Judith, at the Prime Minister's residence, to present the weight of evidence behind a campaign to retain Chivenor's Search and Rescue helicopters as a vital 24-hour-a-day service.

MoD proposals for a private contract would see the service operate from 9am to 9pm only, with night-time cover from RNAS Culdrose in Cornwall, from the MCA base at Lee on Solent, or from RAF Valley on Anglesey.

Kate said: "Over the last few months the

Journal

has featured numerous examples of rescues at night-time, which illustrate exactly why this service is so crucial and must be retained.

"One lady was pulled from her isolated snow-bound house at midnight, suffering from a stroke — and we all know that this is precisely the kind of case where every second counts.

"What the delay of an additional half-hour wait would have cost her is unthinkable.

"Another young woman was airlifted at night, in a coma, to undergo life-saving brain surgery at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth.

"I shall be citing these examples to Quentin Davies, the Minister for Defence Equipment and Support, when I present more than 1,400 coupons from our readers."

Support for the campaign — across the South West and throughout Wales, has been "tremendous", according to Bob Thompson, who initiated the campaign on behalf of Ilfracombe Town Council. It received the backing of tiny parish councils across the region — right up to, and including, the mighty Devon County Council and Welsh Assembly.

Mr Thompson will also tell the minister how national groups including the British Surfing Association and those governing diving, sailing, mountain rescue groups and the fishing industry, have all committed their support to the campaign.

Kate and Bob will be accompanied by Bob's daughter Judith, who set up the massively subscribed Facebook support group which has won more than 11,000 members to the cause.