A group of sister weeklies have launched a bid to raise £15m to pay for two new helicopters to serve as air ambulances.

Newsquest London has joined forces with London’s Air Ambulance Charity for the campaign as the service’s current helicopters become increasingly difficult to maintain.

The Up Against Time appeal aims to raise £15m by 2024 to replace the charity’s fleet.

Titles run by Newsquest in London include the Brent & Kilburn Times, East London Advertiser, Hackney Gazette, Hampstead & Highgate Express, Islington Gazette, News Shopper series, Richmond & Twickenham Times, East London’s Recorder series, the Surrey Comet and the South London Guardian series.

Newsquest London senior editor Simon Murfitt, pictured, said: “I am delighted to launch this campaign with a charity that provides such a vital service.

“Over the course of the coming weeks we will be telling the stories of London residents who owe their lives to the efforts of London’s Air Ambulance Charity paramedics.

“I know these are difficult times for many due to the cost of living, but anything you can give would be greatly appreciated and you can be safe in the knowledge that you are supporting life-saving work.”

Jonathan Jenkins, chief executive of the charity, said: “I am thrilled at the news that London’s Air Ambulance Charity has its first official media partner in our Up Against Time campaign.

“The Up Against Time appeal is our charity’s largest-ever fundraising campaign. After many years of fantastic service, our existing helicopter fleet is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain and we need to raise £15m to replace the two helicopters by autumn 2024.

“It’s not going to be easy. Whilst our red helicopters are well-known figures on the London skyline, many people are still unaware that we are a charity, with almost all of our funding coming in the form of charitable donations from the people of London.

“That’s why we’re so grateful for the support of Newsquest. Proudly rooted in London’s local communities – just like our life-saving service – their support gives us the platform to speak directly to Londoners in every corner of the city.”