Health Minister Rosie Winterton is awarding the Trust �40,000 to help develop the service as a reward.

Crews have reached 75% of category A patients - those with life-threatening conditions - within eight minutes over the last four months, including July.

The trust was awarded a zero rating in the latest NHS performance tables.

'Incentive payment'

It described this as "disappointing", adding that its achievements over the last year were not reflected.

Ms Winterton said: "I would like to congratulate the staff for reaching more people in serious and life-threatening situations within eight minutes.

"This consistent performance has lead to a better, faster service for patients."

Kevin Hogarty, chief executive of the trust, added: "The trust is very please to receive recognition for the hard work of our staff and good performance this year, leading to an incentive payment."