THE district's air ambulance helicopter has received the unusual accolade of being blessed by a bishop.

The acting Bishop of Chelmsford, Reverend Dr Laurie Green, performed the ceremony on the Essex Air Ambulance helicopter and four members of its crew earlier this week.

He said: “This is a special moment. It’s not every day that a Bishop has the opportunity to bless a helicopter.

"But it is very appropriate, because the Air Ambulance does life-saving work."

The blessing comes as the air ambulance team, which is entirely funded by charity donations, is appealing for residents to take part in its 'Great Essex Feast' event next month.

People across the county are being encouraged to take part by holding their own lunch and dinner parties on the weekend of February 27 and 28, and asking everyone who attends to make a donation.

All money raised will be split between the Essex Air Ambulance service and the Friends of Essex Churches Trust.

Visit EssexAirAmbulance.uk.com or call Wendy Byland on 0845 2417 690 for an application pack and more information.