It's 'Auf Wiedersehen' to yellow air ambulance

An air ambulance that covers the East Midlands is to be sent to Germany for a major service, the charity that operates it has said.

Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance said a black AW109 Grand New helicopter would provide cover for the iconic yellow AW169 aircraft as it undergoes work in Emden.

Chief pilot Llewis Ingamells said: "The service includes a complete strip-down of the aircraft to ensure every component is thoroughly inspected, operational and safe."

The charity said the relief helicopter, though slightly smaller than the AW169, was considered a "capable and reliable" aircraft.

Mr Ingamells said: "This work ensures that the aircraft continues to meet the highest standards of safety and performance."

The yellow aircraft will return to the skies "in the coming months", the charity said.

Listen to highlights fromLincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch thelatest episode of Look Northor tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.

Download the BBC News app from the App Store for iPhone and iPad or Google Play for Android devices