THE Sussex Air Ambulance is back in action after being taken in for safety checks.

The familiar blue and white helicopter was replaced with another model after the MD 902 Explorer, used by the life saving charity, was taken out of service for safety checks following a mechanical fault with another similar helicopter.

John Ticknor, Director of Operations for Sussex Air Ambulance said: Our maintenance company advised safety checks on both our helicopters after the London Air Ambulance's helicopter developed a fault.

"Both our aircraft have been thoroughly checked, a small adjustment has been made and they are safe to fly."

Sussex Air Ambulance leases both helicopters and has an agreement which includes maintenance and repair, as well as a replacement helicopter when their own aircraft is unable to fly due to technical problems.

The Air Ambulance responds to emergency medical calls from its base at Dunsfold on the Sussex/Surrey borders.

The charity has a second helicopter based at Marsden in Kent which is also back in service.

The Air Ambulance service in Kent, Surrey and Sussex costs around £3 million annually to stay airborne.

Receiving no funding from the Government or the National Lottery the charity is entirely dependent upon the generosity of the public to support the two helicopters.