CHINOOKS from RAF Odiham will be used to help support the emergency services across the Midlands and South during the coronavirus crisis, the government have announced.

The helicopters will be joined by Wildcats from RNAS Yeovilton in Somerset and will be based at RAF Banson in Oxfordshire.

The service will help emergency services and the NHS by transporting patients, equipment and personnel.

The measures were announced at the government's daily press briefing on Tuesday by Cabinet Minister Michael Gove, who also announced another task force, stationed in North Yorkshire and Scotland.

He said: "A helicopter facility will cover the Midlands and Southern England from Aviation Task Force Headquarters at RAF Benson in Oxfordshire.

"Chinook and Wildcat helicopters normally based at RAF Odiham and RNAS Yeovilton will support southern areas.

"These helicopter facilities have been set up to support medical transport across Scotland and the rest of the UK.

"The task force is also available for general support such as moving equipment and personnel to where they are need across the UK.

"I am deeply grateful for everyone in the armed forces and in the public sector who are doing so much in the fight against coronavirus."

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace added: "The creation of these helicopter hubs is the next step in our armed forces’ contribution to tackling the coronavirus outbreak whenever it appears throughout the United Kingdom.

"Our aircraft are ready to support emergency services and local communities wherever needed across the highlands and islands of Scotland, the armed forces have always got your back.

"In addition, our superb military planners and logisticians are engaging with the governments and health services of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to support their efforts in responding to the virus."