More lives could be saved as Kent's air ambulance prepares to start night flights.

The move would make the Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance available 24 hours a day.

Until recently the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regulations meant the service could only operate in daylight hours. But those rules have now changed.

The move means transferring one of the two helicopters used by the air ambulance: at the moment one is in Marden and the other in Dunsfold in Surrey.

As part of the plans the Dunsfold helicopter moves to Redhill Aerodrome in Surrey - but the night service may not start until Easter next year.

Spokesman Jill Playle said this was because crews needed specialist training - and a replacement helicopter needed to be brought in which would be suitable for night flights.

It's hoped the Marden-based helicopter would operate night flights within the next two years.

Ms Playle said the night flights would be a great improvement for the service - allowing teams to get to patients and give them potentially life-saving treatment at the roadside.

The patient could then be transported to hospital by land ambulance if their condition is stabilised.

For more information on the air ambulance service click here.