The Kent Air Ambulance helicopter was still grounded today.

The move to stop flights follows concerns about a similar machine flown by London Air Ambulance.

The decision to halt operations with the MD Explorer 902, based at Marden, was taken on Saturday as a precautionary measure.

Now a temporary replacement helicopter has been drafted in, with the permanent chopper expected to take to the skies again in the next few hours.

Jill Playle from KAA said: "Our pilot is leaving shortly to go to Staverton in Gloucestershire to pick up a different helicopter from Medical Aviation Services where we lease our helicopters.

"The one that covers Surrey and Sussex is also grounded and the replacement will cover the whole area until the two are working again. We don't think it is anything serious and would like to point out that the helicopter was not grounded by the Civil Aviation Authority or the manufacturer."

She believed the Explorers would be back in service within 24 hours - as soon as they have been checked out by an engineer.