HAMPSHIRE'S very own air ambulance takes to the skies for the first time tomorrow - but its bid to have a home in the heart of the county has been snubbed by airport bosses.

Southampton Airport chiefs have refused to allow the state-of-the-art helicopter to be stationed there because they say there is no room.

Instead the aircraft will have to be based at Thruxton on the northern edge of the county meaning longer flying times to respond to critically ill patients in the south of the county.

It will be able to reach Southampton in 12 minutes, Winchester in 10 and Lyminton in 17.

The snub has been criticised by airport campaigners who say bosses are "putting profits before people".

The ambulance, the first of its kind for the county, is being funded thanks to the fundraising efforts of more than 15,000 Hampshire residents and will have some of the most advanced medical equipment on board that is currently not available in ambulances.

Airport Pressure Group chairman Mary Finch said: "I think the commercial aspect has got in the way of humanity. It's profit before people because it's a big business.

"Southampton Airport has made quite a deal out of the good it does for the community and yes, there are some things.

"But the new air ambulance could be something they could help with that is really worthwhile.

"It seems to me that profits come before the good of local people who may very well need its help."

A spokesman for Southampton Airport said the unused eastern side of its land had been ruled out because it had no road or facilities.

"Southampton Airport is very supportive of the excellent work provided by the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance helicopter.

"Indeed, the airport regularly welcomes visiting medical flights, emergency services and air ambulances, including the coastguard helicopter and police aircraft which are based at Lee-on-Solent.

"We don't currently have room for it to be based here.

"Indeed, over the past couple of years we have had to ask our two flying schools to relocate to other airfields due to the growth in passenger operations at Southampton Airport, which is important for the economic prosperity of this region.

"However, we will take the request for the air ambulance base into consideration in our long-term planning, but naturally we cannot make any firm commitments in the short-term."