In his job as a park ranger Geoff Woodford was always saying No! It was ‘get off the grass’, ‘get off the bike’, ‘pick up your litter.’

But as a volunteer for the West Midlands Air Ambulance Charity for nearly 30 years, Geoff delighted in saying Yes to the children who want to clamber into the helicopter cockpit and play around.

But now it’s time for the Octogenarian from Rowley Regis to say: ‘That’s it.’

Geoff started volunteering just three months after the charity was founded in May 1991.

On visiting the charity’s first portacabin office in Dudley, he bumped into another friend, one of the service’s first employees, who asked a favour – to empty the first collection tin in Smethwick, and the rest, as they say, is history.

“From emptying fundraising collection tins, attending talks and cheque presentations, and manning the demonstration helicopter pod at events, I thoroughly enjoyed every minute I’ve spent with everyone at the air ambulance.

In recognition of his service, Geoff was presented the Volunteer Award in 2013 and was also the winner of a Dudley Volunteer Award in 2015.

Alison Hill, volunteer manager for the Charity, said: “Geoff made it his mission to do all he could for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, and did something every day to assist us. He is an incredible ambassador. He is admired by everyone, including staff, clinicians and his fellow volunteers and Geoff will always remain one of the team.”

But Geoff says it’s not quite all over – he will still be there at charity events and fundraiser.

For information about volunteering go to: midlandsairambulance.com/volunteer