A new state-of-the art air ambulance is set to be added to the trust's fleet.

The AgustaWestland 169, which replaces one of the two older helicopters currently in service, was due to fly in from Italy today - but has now been delayed until tomorrow.

As well as being larger than the existing aircraft, the cabin will allow medical teams 360 degree access to patients meaning life-saving, time-critical care can be given on board - something that isn't currently possible.

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Adrian Bell, chief executive of the trust, said: “The enhanced capabilities of the helicopter will allow us to further improve the life-saving service we deliver to the community, and offers us the exciting potential to reconfigure how these services are delivered for maximum effect in the future.”

The additional cabin space will also allow the charity to deploy larger teams for major emergencies.

Not only is the aircraft also slightly faster than the current MD902, it can also fly much further without the need for refuelling.

Mr Bell added: “Our current helicopters are just about adequate for the task by day but not best suited to support night operations."

As well as taking delivery of the new helicopter, the trust is also planning on a major overhaul of its operations base.

It aims to consolidate its bases in Marden and Redhill with a single HQ at Old Hay Airfield in Paddock Wood, where the new chopper would be based.

The relocation would allow the charity to reach emergency incidents anywhere in the south east within 25 minutes.