Prince William has started his flying career with the East Anglian Air Ambulance in Norwich.

The second in line to the throne officially started work with the company that operates the region's helicopter rescue at Norwich airport today ahead of a four- to 12-week training programme.

Kensington Palace has said the royal is expected to begin flying rescue missions at the beginning of the summer.

His classroom-based time in Norwich is part of the training regime at Cambridge airport and in Staverton, Northamptonshire.

It is unclear how often the Prince, a former RAF search and rescue helicopter pilot, will be coming to the city.

He is now an official employee of Bond Air Services, which runs a number of air ambulance and police aviation operations across the UK.

It is believed to be the first time a member of the Royal Family in the direct line of succession will sign an employment contract with a civilian employer. He will draw a salary which he will donate in full to charity.

Kensington Palace said in a short statement: 'The Duke of Cambridge has today started work as an employee of Bond Air Services.

'Over the coming months he will undertake job-specific training before he begins piloting missions for East Anglian Air Ambulance during the summer.

'The mandatory training will involve simulator, aircraft and in-flight skills training.'

His main duties will involve flying an EC145 T2 aircraft, working alongside medics to respond to emergencies ranging from road accidents to heart attacks.

There had been speculation surrounding the move since Prince William ended his active service as an RAF search and rescue pilot in September 2013.

He will fly on day and night missions from the charity's base at Cambridge Airport, covering an area comprising Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire.

Do you have a news story about the Norwich area? Email rosa.mcmahon@archant.co.uk