Air ambulance will move from base

Funding problems forced the move from the East Midlands

Air ambulance bosses have confirmed a helicopter which covers Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland will be moved to the West Midlands.

The helicopter, currently based at East Midlands Airport, is paid for by the County Air Ambulance Trust.

The trust, based in the West Midlands, said "insufficient funds were raised within the East Midlands to cover the cost of basing the helicopter there".

They added options for improved air ambulance cover were being explored.

The exact location of the new base has not yet been decided but it will be somewhere in Staffordshire.

'Independent trust'

But groups in the East Midlands moved to reassure people there would not be a gap in emergency cover.

"We are exploring options for improved air ambulance cover with the other charities who operate in or close to the East Midlands," said a spokesperson from the East Midlands Ambulance Service.

"We are looking to take this opportunity to expand cover with existing and new partners, with no diminution of the service and strong Air Ambulance charities continuing to service the needs of the community with the active support of the EMAS."

Tony Stimpson, a fundraiser for the County Air Ambulance, said he would work to raise money for a replacement if the current service ended.

He said: "I'm sure that there are going to be a number of companies and people in Leicestershire and Derbyshire who are prepared to come forward with donations, which will enable us to set up an independent trust."