WHITEHOUSE Chrysler and Jeep has donated a Jeep Cherokee to the Kent Air Ambulance Trust.

Kent Air Ambulance doctors and paramedics will use the Jep to attend to medical emergencies when the helicopter is unable to fly because of poor weather.

It will also be used for calls in the villages close to Marden where the charity is based.

Mark Wood, director of operations at Whitehouse Chrysler and Jeep, which has showrooms in Maidstone, Tonbridge and Bexleyheath, said: "The Kent Air Ambulance Trust is a very worthy cause which needs as much support as possible from local people.

"We were only too happy to be involved although we actually hope not to see the Cherokee out on call too often as it means that some unfortunate person needs their help.

"But we do know our vehicle will be playing a big part in responding to emergencies."

It costs approximately £1.5 million a year to provide Kent with an air ambulance service, seven days a week, 365 days a year - and all the money is raised through voluntary donations.

David Philpott, chief executive of Kent Air Ambulance Trust, said: "We are very grateful to Whitehouse Chrysler and Jeep for its support of this vital emergency service available to the people of Kent.

"The Whitehouse Group has consistently supported the charity and we look forward to continuing the close business relationship built up over the last couple of years."