RESPONSE times for ambulances across Worcestershire and Herefordshire are some of the best in the country, according to new figures.

The Hereford and Worcester Ambulance Service NHS Trust has only been out-performed by four other Trusts across the country so far this year.

The Trust managed to reach 78.1 per cent of urgent calls within the eight-minute response target in August, and 78.9 per cent in September.

The results mean the Trust has an overall achievement of 75 per cent for the past six months. Board members now want people to come forward with ideas to improve performance even further.

"These were really excellent levels of performance and it is just brilliant," said acting chief executive, Linda Millinchamp.

"It is a real achievement and everyone should really congratulate themselves."