ESSEX Air Ambulance has been given the go-ahead to relocate to a village airfield.

The proposal by Essex and Herts Air Ambulance Trust to move its headquarters from Boreham to Earls Colne airfield was granted permission by Braintree Council’s planning committee.

The committee’s decision was welcomed by the air ambulance trust, which has spent more than three years gearing up for the move.

Jean Twin, who has been leading the relocation project for the trust, said: “So much work has gone into the project to date, and we are overwhelmed by the support we have received from the general public.

“Now the trust can bring the helicopter and the crew that do such lifesaving work closer to the people who support it, opening a centre so people can visit, learn more about what we do and support us in new ways.”

The centre will include the charity office, airbase, viewing gallery and interactive visitors’ area.