Cornwall Air Ambulance has welcomed the budget announcement that the government plans to relieve VAT on fuel used by the service.

While Cornwall Air Ambulance currently procures its fuel through its helicopter operator Bond Air Services and therefore does not presently have responsibility for recovery of VAT on fuel, it has called the move "very welcome news".

A spokesman said: "Clearly, however, today's announcement is very positive news for us should we choose to buy our fuel direct in the future, and for many of our Air Ambulance colleagues throughout the UK who currently buy their fuel in this way, and have therefore been subject to VAT.

"Cornwall Air Ambulance has been a strong supporter of the campaign to relieve VAT on fuel for many years through our collaboration with other Air Ambulances through our national body, the Association of Air Ambulances.

"We have provided assistance with the petition to Downing Street and had a strong presence at last year's All Party Parliamentary Group on Air Ambulances, at which VAT on fuel was one of the key topics.

"We look forward to continuing to work with MPs - on both a local and national level - to seek further pledges and assurances in the future to help ensure we can provide the best possible service to our patients at the best possible value for our donors."