MORE than 100 military personnel will be supporting the Welsh Ambulance Service as drivers from October 14.

The Ministry of Defence said 110 staff would be working as non-emergency drivers until the end of November.

They will not operate under blue light conditions and will attend lower priority calls to allow ambulance staff to deal with life-threatening emergencies.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: “I am proud of the tireless work of all our service personnel during this pandemic.

“They continue to provide important support, working alongside our dedicated emergency services across the UK.

“The deployment of 110 personnel to support the ambulance service will ensure Welsh Ambulance Service Trust can continue to deliver their life-saving services.”

It is the third time since the start of the coronavirus pandemic that military personnel have supported the Welsh Ambulance Service.

Jason Killens, chief executive of the Welsh Ambulance Service, said: “We’re proud and grateful to be working alongside the military once again, who did a superb job of assisting us on two occasions previously last year.

“The pandemic has presented a challenge like no other, but the last couple of months in particular have meant significant and sustained pressures on our ambulance service, including high levels of demand and an increase in Covid-19 related activity.

“Winter is our busiest time and having military colleagues on board once more will bolster our capacity, and put us in the best possible position to provide a safe service to the people of Wales.”

Secretary of State for Wales Simon Hart added: “Once again the UK’s armed forces are playing a key role in the fight against Covid-19 by supporting the critical work of the Welsh Ambulance Service. I am hugely grateful for their commitment and expertise.

“I would like to extend my gratitude to all those who have worked incredibly hard to ensure our public services deliver for the people of Wales throughout the pandemic.”