THEY gave up Christmas Day with their families to help save Hampshire lives.

While most of us were putting our feet up dedicated paramedics from the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance (HIOWAA) were working on December 25.

Their commitment was rewarded though during a flying visit to Lainston House Hotel near Winchester. The exclusive Sparsholt venue put on a traditional three-course lunch for crews.

"They do such a fantastic job and they're on duty, like we are, when everyone else is enjoying themselves," said Cliff Hasler, the hotel's general manager. "A lot of our guests came out to see them arrive and there was still some snow on the ground, so that was nice."

John Perry, chief executive of HIOWAA, said: "Our dedicated pilots and paramedics give their utmost to provide this lifesaving service and this generous gift to them from Lainston House Hotel made sure they are also able to celebrate Christmas."

The charity, which has been running since 2007, relies on donations to keep it going. It says it needs more than £3,000 a day to keep its helicopters flying.