An air ambulance service could be flying to its first cases in Sussex as early as January.

An appeal to extend the Kent Air Ambulance Service into Sussex has almost reached the £50,000 target needed to begin working in the county.

Fund-raisers said they were delighted with progress but warned there was still a long way to go.

The £50,000 is the first stage of the appeal and now the focus is on raising a further £200,000 so a second helicopter can be leased by the service and based in Sussex.

A Sussex Air Ambulance Appeal fund-raising committee is being formed and events, bequests and donations from companies will be used to raise the cash.

The Charity Commissioners have given permission for Kent Air Ambulance to use their expertise and lead the campaign.

Its £3.5m helicopter, which has flown more than 10,000 missions over 15 years, will be used until a dedicated helicopter is eventually leased.

The campaign has been given a boost by West Sussex County Council which has agreed to let the appeal's new fund-raising manager for the county work from a base at Worthing fire station.

The second air ambulance would be based near Gatwick and carry a doctor and/or paramedic.

County council chairwoman Margaret Johnson said: "It is absolutely vital the county gets a dedicated air ambulance. The first hour following an accident or medical emergency is always the most crucial.

"This so-called golden hour can literally mean the difference between life and death.

"The fire station location means good access to the county and uses the base of an emergency service which is very likely to be involved in many incidents.

"I am most keen to see the development of an effective air ambulance service which will bring real benefits to the people of West Sussex."

Kent Air Ambulance chief executive David Philpott said: "The benefits of a dedicated air ambulance flying a doctor and paramedic directly to the scene of a medical emergency will augment the existing ambulance services in the county."

Air ambulance business development manager Jill Playle said: "We are really pleased with how things are going and how much support we are getting.

"Our aim now is to raise awareness in Sussex of the work we are doing and try to get as much help as possible."

Anyone wanting to make a donation towards the air ambulance appeal can get more details on 01622 833833 or admin@kaat.org.uk