A former senior army officer is to be the new head of a lifesaving charity.

The East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) has announced Major General Sir William Cubitt as its new chairman replacing Andrew Egerton-Smith who stepped down in December last year.

Sir William had a distinguished career in the army, most recently serving as major general commanding the Household Division.

He was commissioned into the Coldstream Guards in 1977, later transferring to the Irish Guards. In 1999, he served in the Former Republic of Yugoslavia, and was appointed OBE for his services during the Kosovo War. In 2004, he served in Northern Ireland, and was appointed CBE for his services.

He was promoted to major general and appointed major general commanding the Household Division; in 2007, he was made General Officer Commanding London District.

Sir William retired from the army in 2011, was later invested by the Queen as a Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order and now lives in Norfolk.

He said: “I consider it a great privilege to be appointed chairman of the East Anglian Air Ambulance.

“It is a charity that could be needed by anyone at any time and therefore generates much support from the people of East Anglia.”

EAAA chief executive Patrick Peal said: “I’m really delighted that the trustees have appointed Sir William as our new chairman.

“I very much look forward to working with him to develop the lifesaving work of this charity.”