AN ESSEX air ambulance trust is set to get invaluable support during the coronavirus pandemic from on of the world's biggest fuel giants. 

Total UK is supplying free aviation fuel to the life-saving Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust (EHAAT), which is based at Earls Colne.

The company is also donating fuel to the Great North Air Ambulance Service which covers the north east of the country.

Total UK spokesman Ben Marchant said: “The Total UK team is pleased to be able to support both essential air ambulance services during the Covid-19 pandemic.

"They rely entirely on charitable donations, so we are proud to play our part in helping them continue to carry out crucial, life-saving missions at this difficult time.”

EHAAT currently have a fleet of two helicopters which help teams to provide emergency medical treatment and transport to the people of Essex.

Critical care paramedics are still striving to provide their services, something working shifts in excess of 12 hours.

The donation will cover the air ambulance's fuel requirements for a month, saving the charity thousands which can spent on providing their paramedics with much needed PPE.

With the multinational company already supplying the air ambulance since 2018, the jet fuel will be provided directly to the trust's Earls Colne airfield.

Cliff Gale, Operations Director at EHAAT, said: “Essex & Herts Air Ambulance are delighted to be a beneficiary of a tank of free fuel from Total.

"The charity is continuing to provide its 24/7 life-saving care to the people and communities of Essex, Hertfordshire and surrounding areas during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.”