AN air ambulance expert has been named the new chairman of the Wiltshire Air Ambulance Appeal.

David Philpott, 52, the founding chairman of the Association of Air Ambulances, will take up his post on tomorrow.

He has 30 years of experience, including work in the NHS, international development and leadership as a chief executive in the fields of medicine and aviation.

Mr Philpott said: “I count it a great honour to have been appointed to this exciting role.

“One of my priorities will be to get to know all the stakeholders in the Wiltshire Air Ambulance Appeal, so that the service going forward reflects both the clinical objectives of the NHS in the region and the aspirations of the people of Wiltshire who fund it so magnificently.”

On behalf of the corporate trustees of the appeal, chairman Tony FitzSimons welcomed Mr Philpott and said: “This is a great opportunity for the appeal as he has extensive experience in non-profit organisations including ambulance aviation.”