Helicopter charity boss resigns

Mark Sellers was one of two founders of the charity

A senior figure in the Ireland Air Ambulance charity has resigned from the organisation because of stress.

Mark Sellers, a former refuse collector who helped set up the charity three years ago, was its aviation director.

The charity faced calls for an inquiry last month when it emerged that 90% of donations of £194,000 in its first year were spent on wages and overheads.

No agreements have been reached with the health or ambulance services over how such a service might operate.

Health Minister Michael McGimpsey has said he does not believe there would be sufficient demand.

The organisation has said it hopes to launch the service in November, although to date it has not found anywhere to base its helicopter.

The two men who started the organisation had previously worked together as street collectors for the London Air Ambulance. Almost £900,000 has been raised so far.