Camilla meets lifesavers on flying visit

Camilla, a patron of the Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust, was also given the opportunity to look inside the helicopter responsible for emergency rescues across Cornwall and the Isle of Scilly as she celebrated the charity’s 25th anniversary.

She officially opened the new headquarters of the Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust based at Newquay Airport by unveiling a plaque and praised the charity.

The visit came on the final day of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall’s three-day tour of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

The Duchess met with Catherine Gardner, 35, from Winslow, Buckinghamshire, and Harriet Eastwood, 13, from near Truro in Cornwall.

Ms Gardner’s life was saved when she was airlifted from Crooklets beach after falling into the sea from a horse, while Miss Eastwood was also airlifted from a beach when she became caught in a rip current.

Ms Gardner said: “We’re a good example of people that are not from the area and never thought we would need it, but the air ambulance was there for us and had a huge impact on our lives.”

Ms Gardner and her family have since been raising money by running marathons.

Miss Eastwood, who is in Year 8 at Roseland Community School was caught in a rip current when visiting Caerhays beach with her grandparents and was pulled from the sea by a passer-by.