David Chadwick has described the decision to close the Welshpool air ambulance base as "extremely disappointing" following a High Court ruling last week.

The MP for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe paid tribute to campaigners who fought to keep the base open and said he would continue to press for better health services for rural Wales.

It comes after a judge dismissed a legal challenge brought against the decision to close the Welshpool base. Campaigners argued the public consultation process was flawed and that the needs of Mid and North Wales communities had not been properly considered.

Mr Justice Turner ruled that the Joint Commissioning Committee (JCC) had acted within its legal duties, concluding the decision-making process was “fully and conscientiously” carried out.

Responding to the ruling, Mr Chadwick said: “The result is an extremely disappointing one for the residents of Mid Wales. Our rural communities already get a poor deal in terms of access to health care and local residents are rightly extremely upset that yet another service will be relocated.

“I’d like to pay personal tribute to all of the local campaigners who fought so hard to try and keep the base in Welshpool, you are a credit to your communities.

“I will be ensuring I continue my fight in Parliament in conjunction with my colleagues in the Senedd for more health services to be located in Mid Wales and to fight the various downgrades or relocations currently under consideration by the health board.”