Kent Air Ambulance has confirmed its helicopter has been grounded at its Marden base.

A replacement helicopter has been brought in to temporarily cover the service until it is back in service.

It follows concerns about a similar machine flown by London Air Ambulance.

The decision to halt operations with the MD Explorer 902 was taken on Saturday as a precuationary measure.

Jill Playle from KAA said on Monday: "Our pilot is leaving shortly to go to Staverton in Gloucestershire to pick up a different helicopter from Medical Aviation Services where we lease our helicopters.

"The one that covers Surrey and Sussex is also grounded and the replacement will cover the whole area until the two are working again. We don't think it is anything serious and would like to point out that the helicopter was not grounded by the Civil Aviation Authority or the manufacturer."

She believed the Explorers would be back in service within 24 hours as soon as they have been checked out by an engineer.