Witham's MP visited Essex & Herts Air Ambulance's (EHAAT) Earls Colne base to see the new helicopter.

Priti Patel, now representing the Colne's area, was pleased to see the state-of-the-art AW169 aircraft.

This helicopter will help the crews save more lives and support blue light services.

Ms Patel met some of the crew who provide pre-hospital emergency care and toured the site, seeing the rapid response vehicles and helicopter.

She said: "It was amazing to visit EHAAT at the Earls Colne Airfield to see their new helicopter which will be an incredible asset to the brave and dedicated team here.

"My thanks go to all of them for the work they do to protect the public and save lives.

"Their service is to be admired and I was pleased to be able to meet with them to listen to how best we can support them in their duties.

"It was fantastic to see the new helicopter up close and to learn more about how they help to support blue light services on the ground in Essex with major incidents and reducing the time it takes for a patient to receive the care they need."

Jonathan Ager, finance director and deputy chief executive officer, said: "It was a pleasure to welcome Priti to our base to show her the new AW169 helicopter and to discuss the important work that needs to be done to improve helipad infrastructure."