THE family and friends of a teenager who was critically injured in a crash are fundraising for the air ambulance which helped save his life.

Jack Tyreman was involved in a road accident nine weeks ago near the village of Burythorpe, where he lives, while cycling to Ian Brown Tyres in Malton, where he worked.

The 18-year-old suffered extensive head injuries and was airlifted to Hull Royal Infirmary by the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

His mum, Julie Wiles, said Jack remained seriously ill and was currently being cared for in a specialist rehabilitation centre in Goole.

"Jack suffered considerable injuries and although he has shown some improvements there is a long road ahead," she said.

"At the moment we are not sure what brain damage he has suffered although he is now able to open and shut his eyes and has some movement down one side. He has also been able to say the odd word."

Julie said she had been called to the scene of the accident by a neighbour.

"I knew it must be bad but didn't realise how bad until I got there and saw Jack laying in the road struggling to breathe," she said.

"The ambulance was already there and the Yorkshire Air Ambulance landed soon after and took him to hospital. If they hadn't got there so quickly goodness knows what would have happened, we might have lost him."

Julie, who has two older sons, Dean and Luke, said the rehabilitation centre said Jack was making progress but it could be two to three years before his would be able to return home.

"I am able to visit several times a week and friends and family have been amazing," she said.

"The staff there are doing an incredible job with Jack and he even has a therapy dog to help him along."

With the help of Burythorpe House Hotel, where Jack's brother Luke works, the family are holding an afternoon tea and raffle tomorrow (Thursday), from 1pm, to help raise £3,000 to cover the costs of transporting him to hospital. Prizes include two tickets with after-show passes for a concert by Eric Clapton, who owns the hotel, at the Royal Albert Hall next May.

Julie said: "Jack has a long way to go but he is still my Jack. Our family wanted to do something to give back to those who have helped and particularly the Yorkshire Air Ambulance. How do you say thank you for something like this?"

Anyone who would like to make a donation should go to .justgiving.com/fundraising/alison-gaskell2

For more information about the afternoon tea, phone Burythorpe House Hotel on 01653 658200.