Kent's life-saving air ambulance service has been grounded today after the volcanic dust cloud spreading over Britain made it too dangerous to fly.

Two choppers that are usually on call for major incidents won't be able to attend them until Kent Air Ambulance get the all clear from the Met Office.

In a statement released by the charity today, a spokesman said: "We have now been made aware by the Met Office the plume of volcanic ash is now above us and has been detected on the ground in southern England.

"As a result of this, as of 10am we have had to accept the reality that on a temporary basis, we are no longer able to operate our two helicopters.

Jill Playle explains why the service has been grounded

"Our crews have already transferred to ground vehicles so we can continue to provide our life-saving service.

"This has been a very difficult decision but we would like to reassure the public that we are reviewing the situation constantly and our helicopters will be back in the skies the minute we are given the all-clear."