A national scheme that encouraged military leavers and veterans to join the ambulance service has received a royal seal of approval.

The East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) is one of the first 30 Trusts to sign-up to the Step into Health initiative, which is aimed at encouraging people from a military background, or their dependents, to embark on a new career in the NHS.

The Duke of Cambridge officially launched the programme during a ceremony in London in January, which was also attended by the EEAST's Director of Service Delivery, Kevin Brown and Armed Forces Champion, Terry Hicks.

Terry said: 'Veterans and people who are leaving the armed forces have a superbly transferable skill set and aptitude to working in a dynamic and diverse environment which will make a tremendous impact within the communities that EEAST serves.'

For more details visit militarystepintohealth.nhs.uk/contact-us/