KENT Air Ambulance has appointed a new chairman to replace Mark Baker, who stood down last month after three years in the post.

The new chairman is the immediate past High Sheriff of Kent, Anthony Monteuuis. Mr Monteuuis spent most of his business life running his own printing company in London and most recently was chairman of Adventis Group, Europe's largest specialist property advertising agency.

He has had connections with the county all his life and is a member of Kent County Cricket Club.

He said: "I am honoured to become chairman of Kent Air Ambulance. The charity is already widely known for its life saving activities and the reassurance it brings to the people of Kent. I look forward to leading the charity as it tackles the challenges and grasps the opportunities that lie ahead."

Kent Air Ambulance costs about £100,000 each month to keep airborne. Receiving no funds from the Government or the National Lottery the charity is entirely dependent upon the generosity of the people of Kent.