Paramedics on bikes are to be trialled in part of Kent in a bid to improve response times.

The cycle repsonse units have been introduced by South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Trust (SECAmb) in Canterbury and Whitstable with the aim of getting to patients quicker in built-up pedestrianised areas.

Acting clinical team leader Dave Marshall, who has put the unit together, said: "The cycle response unit will hugely benefit the areas where it is being trialled.

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"These areas see a large influx of visitors during the summer and we believe these bikes will prove to be a positive addition to our fleet."

The unit has been funded by the trust's innovations and revenue group which has been set up to allow staff to propose ideas which will benefit patient care.

SECAmb's chief executive Paul Sutton said: "We hope that the unit will not only help improve the response we can provide to patients in built up areas, but also improve our presence among the communities we serve."

The unit is made up of eight bicycles and all cyclists have undergone a public safety cycling course.

They will respond to all types of emergency calls within specific target areas. The bikes have been kitted out with life-saving medical equipment, including a defibrillator.

The third trial area is Brighton.