The Chancellor, George Osborne announced on Wednesday in his autumn statement that he is awarding £1.5 million to the Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance.

Additionally, Mr Osborne is planning to exempt the charity from VAT.

Crawley MP Henry Smith commented on how delighted he was that the Chancellor has acted in the interest of this important local charity.

The Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance became the first in the country to operate a 24 hours Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) last September.

It celebrates it’s 25th anniversary next year