NICOLE Gibbons is to be the official voice of the ambulance service.

Kent Ambulance NHS Trust has appointed Nicole to the newly created position of public relations and communications manager.

Based at the Ambulance Service Headquarters in Coxheath, near Maidstone, Nicole will develop external and internal public relations and communications strategy for the trust.

Nicole, who was previously with Adams Creative in Maidstone, will also be involved in working with colleagues and the local media to ensure that accurate coverage is given of events and incidents involving the ambulance service.

Ken Smith, chief executive of Kent Ambulance NHS Trust said: "We are

delighted to have a professional of Nicole's calibre on board. Her main task is to raise our profile with the people we serve across Kent."

Nicole has more than 10 years' experience in education, retail, telecommunications and insurance. She has a BA (Hons) degree in public relations and is a member of the Institute of Public Relations.