The HM Coastguard search-and-rescue (SAR) helicopter base in Prestwick started flying the new Leonardo AW189 helicopter at the start of last month.

Prestwick is the second Coastguard base in the UK to fly this new model of helicopter on SAR missions, following Lee-on-Solent on the south coast.

Damien Oliver, assistant director for Aviation at the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), said: “The introduction of this new ground-breaking technology to our Prestwick base represents another very significant milestone.

“The two brand-new AW189s will be capable of working in all weathers — and in the UK’s most challenging terrain.”

Over the next 18 months, the AW189 helicopter will also be phased in at Coastguard bases at St Athan, Lydd and Inverness, as part of a £1.9 billion investment by the UK Government in this emergency service, which rescues around 2,000 people a year.