Cardinal Helicopter Services has celebrated its first anniversary and reports having operated 141 flights in that time. Captain Richard Cove, md, says: "Our first year has definitely been a resounding success. When we began, we were unsure if there was the demand for our services, but our aim of providing a high class vip charter service has been well received.

"Our clientele this year has included heads of state, peers of the realm, captains of industry and business people. Looking to the future, we will continue supporting our existing client base and look forward to welcoming new customers and providing them with the first class, personal service that Cardinal is becoming synonymous for."

The company's Sikorsky S-76C recorded a 100 per cent dispatch reliability, and has more recently been involved in promoting the eighth Tesco Great School Run. Over 1.25 million children from across the UK are due to participate in their own runs, between May 8 and July 23.