AN air ambulance chief executive has earned a top award for her dedication to the charity.

Jane Gurney, chief executive of Essex and Herts Air Ambulance, has been named director of the year in the public sector category by the institute of directors (IoD) for the East of England.

Mrs Gurney received her award from IoD director general Stephen Martin, at a celebratory lunch held in the Jockey Club Rooms in Newmarket.

She said: “I’m delighted to accept this award on behalf of everyone who has helped to make Essex and Herts Air Ambulance what it is today.

“Being recognised in this way is a validation of the work my team and I have put in to growing the charity.

“This award will help raise the profile of the charity and increase awareness of our lifesaving work.

“It is a privilege to lead such a committed and dedicated team and to be able to share this success with them and our supporters.”