The ambulance trust which serves south west Hertfordshire is set to have replaced 267 emergency vehicles and added another 27 to its fleet by the end of March.

The replacement programme, which began in early 2014, will ensure there will be no emergency ambulances older than five years operated by the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST).

The ambulances come with a full set of brand new medical devices and consumables for better, more reliable transport for staff and patients with a full stock of equipment fit for purpose.

Earlier last year, 147 ambulances were introduced around the region - 120 were replacements and 27 were additional fleet.

Since September, another 120 replacement ambulances were purchased and the remaining 37 ambulances will be delivered into operational service by the end of next month.

Anthony Marsh, trust chief executive, said: "I am delighted that the fleet modernisation programme has remained ahead of schedule.

"Our ageing fleet was a real concern amongst staff when I joined EEAST last year, but to see a new fleet under five years old with new equipment on board by the end of March is an excellent achievement.

"These new emergency ambulances will be more reliable and provide a better experience for patients and crews."

Last year the trust also replaced 45 patient transport services ambulances - five of which have specialised bariatric capability/equipment, introduced four specialist hazardous area response team-type vehicles and introduced 68 all-wheel drive Skoda Scout response cars to replace two-wheel drive vehicles.