THE "vital" work of the Great North Air Ambulance Service saved the life of a Millom 18-year-old after a tragic crash with killed two friends.

Ellis Marr was a back-seat passenger when she was involved in a horror collision on the A595 in July.

Her friends, Skye Mitchell and Caitlin Huddleston, died at the scene, while Miss Marr was flown to the Royal Preston Hospital, where she is still recovering.

The three women, from Millom, had been on their way to Gosforth for a meal with friends when the accident occurred.

Her aunt, Leanne Cummings, 43, said: "Without the air ambulance service I'm certain Ellis wouldn't be here today.

"We're just so grateful for what they've done for us and I can't emphasise enough how vital this service is to us all.

"Ellis remains in hospital where she was airlifted but has progressed from critical care through various units."

The 18-year-old suffered a brain injury as well as breaking the right side of her pelvis. She also has a lower right leg compound fracture, a broken tibia, fibula and lower back sacrum bone, and bruised ribs.

Andrew Barrington, GNAAS doctor, said: "Ellis is very much in the category of 'unexpected survivors', so we are absolutely delighted to see her doing so well in her recovery."

The green Toyota Yaris in which the three were travelling in collided with a white Ford Transit van. The driver of the van was also flown by Air Ambulance to Liverpool's Aintree Hospital.

In honour of the tireless work of the service, a group of dedicated fundraisers cycled the 135 miles round trip between Millom and Penrith.

So far, the group, made up of friends and relatives, have raised around £6,000.

Miss Marr's uncle, Louis Cummings, took part in the charity ride.

He said: "Ellis is progressing really well and going from strength to strength.

"She still has a long way to go but she continues to amaze us with her recovery."