London's Air Ambulance back in the skies

LONDON S air ambulance is back in the skies today after six days of being grounded because of the volcanic ash. As airports across Europe reopened after six days and air ambulances in Kent and the West Midlands were given the all-clear yesterday, London

LONDON'S air ambulance is back in the skies today after six days of being grounded because of the volcanic ash.

As airports across Europe reopened after six days and air ambulances in Kent and the West Midlands were given the all-clear yesterday, London's Air Ambulance was still being forced to remain on its helipad at the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel.

But the hospital confirmed this morning that the red helicopter had been given the all-clear after being banned from the skies since last Friday afternoon.

Officials feared the ash from the eruption of the Icelandic volcano could pose a threat to the aircraft's engine.

The helicopter is able to fly within the M25 area in 12 minutes and the team of paramedics and a senior trauma doctor normally do around three trips a day.

Rapid Response Cars were being sent out instead and hospital bosses said it had been "quiet" across London over the past six days.