SIX West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) staff will take to the skies as part of their new roles as aircrew paramedics.

The newly qualified paramedics will fly on the Midlands Air Ambulance aircraft based in Staffordshire and Worcestershire.

The six — Mike Smyth, Steve Mason, Dave Bentley, Kelly Bennett, Laura Rogers and Pete Edwards — were picked from a number of people who applied for the role.

WMAS air operations manager, Becky Tinsley, said: “Each of the six will be seconded for three years to work part time on the Midlands Air Ambulance aircraft based at Strensham and Tattenhill. The rest of the time they will continue in their main roles.

“Understandably, we set the bar very high so massive congratulations to each of them in getting through a very tough course. I am looking forward to seeing them develop into the role over the coming weeks and months.”