This is the police's 'eye in the sky' that provides a valuable addition in the fight against crime and our commitment to making people feel safe and be safe.

The Western Counties Air Support Unit is based at Filton Airport and is staffed by regular officers from Avon and Somerset Constabulary and Gloucestershire Constabulary.

The helicopter is used for many varied tasks - it searches for missing people and helps tackle vehicle-related crime, burglaries and public order situations. It can also be used for emergency casualty evacuations and has been responsible for saving dozens of lives since it came into service.

With its on-board cameras it has proved highly successful in searching out hot-spots on roofs of buildings - telltale signs of cannabis factories below.

The arrival of the helicopter made an immediate impact on crime. Almost overnight ram raids became a thing of the past as criminals quickly learned that once the 'eye in the sky' was airborne there was nowhere to hide.

As well as thermal imaging equipment which can save hours and lives when looking for missing people, the helicopter is equipped with a downlink video system which relays instant pictures into control rooms.

To find out more about the police helicopter and what it's been doing in your area please visit the Western Counties Air Operation Unit website.