A Braintree businessman has been appointed as a trustee of the air ambulance service.

Roy Marfleet, chairman of MDS Civil Engineering, will take up the role on the board of Earls Colne's Essex and Herts Air Ambulance (EHAAT).

Passionate rugby man Mr Marfleet, who has refereed the game for 25 years and officiated at the 2015 Rugby World Cup, has been a big support of the charity for many years.

“I am looking forward to the challenge of supporting the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance," he said.

"It is a remarkable organisation with dedicated staff who do a first class job.

“I have been a helicopter pilot since 2012 and currently fly a Robinson R66, so I am particularly keen to get to know more about the aircraft and how they are used.”

Jane Gurney, chief executive officer at EHAAT, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Roy Marfleet to our Board of Trustees and I look forward to working with him over the coming months and years.

"He brings with him a wealth of both business and aviation experience along with a real passion for the work of the charity.”