AFTER almost a year of training, a brand new state-of-the-art helicopter and logistical ground preparations, the East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) is ready for night flights.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has approved EAAA to fly helicopter emergency medical services during the hours of darkness.

It means the charity can now land at unknown and unlit sites near patients to the emergency care team can begin their work without the delay that results from having to travel by road.

EAAA is the first and only night capable helicopter to operate a dedicated night-time air ambulance service in the east of England.