A lucky Eltham woman scooped some Christmas cash by £1,000 in the Air Ambulance Lottery Joyce Augustus of Eltham won the top prize of £1,000 in the London Air Ambulance weekly lottery, which raises funds each year for the charity.

40,000 hopefuls across London donate £1 each week to be in with a chance of winning the top prize which also includes an opportunity to take in the London skyline from the roof of The Royal London Hospital.

In recognition of Joyce's support, she was invited to join the Air Ambulance team their helipad in Whitechapel.

She said: "Everyone in the family drives so I thought it would be a good cause to give money too. I enjoyed the visit immensely and found it very educational.

Joyce has already put her winnings to good use by buying Christmas presents for the family and will be telling all her friends about the work of the London Air Ambulance.

She said: ""It really is a very worthwhile cause and I shall be encouraging my friends to support London's Air Ambulance."

Last year London's Air Ambulance treated 67 critically injured patients in Greenwich and donations from people like Joyce ensure that an advanced trauma doctor and paramedic can be at their side in minutes.

Mark Davies, director of development from London's Air Ambulance, said: "Our lottery members generate over a million pounds for the charity each year, vital funds that help us provide patients with the best possible care when they urgently need it.

"Every second counts in an emergency, as does every donation."