The East Anglian Air Ambulance will get another helicopter thanks to a Budget boost.

A one-off grant, from the LIBOR Fines Fund (levied on banks manipulating the London Interbank Offered Rate financial benchmark), will help fund a second new EC145T2 helicopter, to be based in Norwich Airport.

The new helicopter, which is larger and quicker, should be in service early next year. It will enable the charity to attend more incidents.

EAAA chief executive Patrick Peal, said: “We are enormously grateful for this one-off grant from the treasury that will help fund a second EC145T2 helicopter which will greatly enhance the lifesaving service we provide for local people.

“Our grant application to the Chancellor received cross-party support from all our Norfolk MPs. I would, however, like to say a special thank you to Chloe Smith MP and Henry Bellingham MP, both of whom worked closely with EAAA to secure this result.”

Mr Bellingham said: “I am delighted with this announcement by the Chancellor, because this really will be a big boost to the East Anglian Air Ambulance which does such a superb job serving our communities and constituents.

“It is also very fitting that those people who behaved totally unethically in certain banks are making their recompense to society.”

For more information on the work of the East Anglian Air Ambulance, visit www.eaaa.org.uk or call 01223 403600