If you look up to the skies today, you could spot London’s new air ambulance flying over the borough.

Following months of fundraising, the new aircraft became officially operational this morning

It touched down on the helipad on top of the Royal London Hospital, taking over from the existing helicopter which is now undergoing maintenance work.

Statistics released last year showed that in 2014, 76 patients were treated by the air ambulance in Newham.

The new helicopter aims to save the lives of even more people in the capital.

It was welcomed by the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, who said: “This is a momentous feat for London, for Londoners and for the dedicated healthcare professionals of London’s air ambulance.

“The world-class care the doctors, paramedics, pilots and staff here provide is already saving lives and having a second helicopter at their disposal can only improve outcomes for patients across the city.”