THE COUNTY air ambulance helicopter has temporarily changed its colours while its original helicopter goes in for work.

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance provides life-saving, pre-hospital critical care, to patients in need.

The iconic green and yellow helicopter has gone off for its yearly maintenance work, leaving the ambulance service with a Magpas air ambulance helicopter.

Eagle-eyed aviation spotters have already recognised the difference between the helicopters  when attending emergencies.

A spokesperson for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance said: “We are currently flying a different colour AW169 helicopter.

“G-MGPS (aka Nemo the orange and white stripe helicopter) arrived at Henstridge Airfield on Friday to replace G-PICU, which has gone off for maintenance.

“This has no impact on the service we provide; it’s the same aircraft model as Peggy and G-PICU and the same amazing critical care team saving lives, 365 days a year.”

It is not known when the original helicopter will be back at the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance depot in Henstridge.