The UK's fastest growing pizza chain is set to open in Ellesmere Port and has announced its first charity partner in the form of Lucy Air Ambulance for Children (Lucy AAC).

Caprinos Pizza, is due to open today (Tuesday, May 11) at 9 Marina Drive and the chain has announced that the charity, Lucy AAC, which ensures that babies and critically ill children can access specialist care anywhere in the UK, will be one of its beneficiaries.

Caprinos marketing manager, Zamman Ahmed said: "To see how this charity is making such an impact, what they do and how they change lives - the decision was easy.

"This incredible service is not funded by the NHS. Instead, the small charity team work tirelessly to raise for every transfer. Due to current funding they are only able to fly 2 out of every 4 children who need their service. When we learnt this, we knew that we needed to partner with Lucy AAC."

"Caprinos is working hard to raise funds for Lucy AAC so that they can help more families. We are planning lots of fun opportunities for our customers and staff to get involved in this partnership."

Caprinos launched the partnership with a generous donation of £1,000 and the charity is planning lots of fun activities for Caprinos customers and staff to get involved and help to raise funds for Lucy AAC.

The restaurant offers Italian American cuisine and has menu items suitable for adults, children, and to share with family and friends. They are also one of very few pizza brands offering a Halal menu across all of their branches.

Lucy AAC says is excited to be working with the pizza chain to raise funds, grow awareness of the unique air ambulance service and help as many families across the UK as possible.

It is the only charity in the UK that flies children to hospital by aeroplane. The average Lucy AAC transfer flight is 300 miles and takes 60 minutes. Planes can fly the length and breadth of the country, making it the safest and quickest way for seriously ill children to travel long distances between hospitals.

These charity transfers are provided for children requiring specialist treatment, diagnostic tests, specialist surgery including organ transplants and to be taken to a hospital closer to home, including for end-of-life care.

For more information or to see how you can support the charity visit www.lucyaac.org.uk.