Bosses of a lifesaving charity hope they will be able to help save even more lives after a new air ambulance, capable of flying at night, went live in Norwich.

The East Anglian Air Ambulance's (EAAA) new Anglia One, which will be based at Norwich Airport, is identical to the H145 based in Cambridge and becomes the charity's second chopper able to fly at night.

As well as being capable of flying after dark, the helicopter, which replaces the EC135, has greater power, more space, and greater endurance which makes it better equipped to deal with inter- hospital transfers and the training of medical crews while on standby for helicopter emergency service (HEMS) missions.

Alastair Wilson, EAAA medical director, said: 'Our aim is to make sure we get to the patients as quickly as possible and this aircraft with its increased range and endurance will enable us to respond.'

The new aircraft went live yesterday morning at 10am with critical-care paramedics Andy Downes, Rod Wells and Dr Peter Temesvari making up the crew.

The new aircraft is capable of carrying two flight crew, three clinicians and a patient whilst providing a considerable increase in cabin space, endurance and performance compared to the EC135 which could only take a pilot, two HEMS crew and a patient.

It also carries enough fuel to fly for over two hours with a range of nearly 300 nautical miles (335 statute miles) compared to the previous aircraft which had a range of 186 nautical miles. With a cruising speed of 135 knots, Anglia One will be able to reach patients even in remote locations within 25 minutes.

As previously reported, the charity, which operates throughout East Anglia, began flying during the hours of darkness in 2013 after receiving permission from the Civil Aviation Authority.

Log onto www.eaaa.org.uk to find out more about the charity.

Has your life been saved by the air ambulance? Email peter.walsh@archant.co.uk