Kent is within weeks of having a base for a search and rescue chopper.

Bristow Helicopters has started training staff ahead of the service going live from Lydd airport sometime in July.

It comes after tomorrow was given as the date the service would be launched at Manston - before the airport was closed in May last year.

The AgustaWestland AW139 helicopters in red and white HM Coastguard livery should become a familiar sight locally.

The training includes night-time missions using advanced Night Vision Goggle (NVG) technology and will take place along the coastline from Eastbourne to Margate.

Bristow Helicopters Ltd will operate the service on behalf of the coastguard after being awarded the 10-year UK SAR contract by the Department for Transport in March 2013.

Samantha Willenbacher, director of UK search and rescue at Bristow Helicopters, said: “This training is an essential part of our preparations, ensuring our crews are equipped to deliver this lifesaving service.

"There will be short periods of time with high activity levels and we will make every effort to minimise disturbance.

"There will be short periods of time with high activity levels and we will make every effort to minimise disturbance" - Samantha Willenbacher

"We would like to thank the local community for their patience and support during this time.”

Charles Buchanan, chief executive of London Ashford Airport, said: “This is an exciting and important development at London Ashford Airport.

"Being the regional base for Search and Rescue helicopters further endorses the vital role that we can play in the airport sector.

"The role of regional airports will become ever more significant as all aspects of aviation demand increase in the future.”

The SAR helicopter base at London Ashford Airport is one of 10 bases from which the UK SAR contract will be delivered.