NORTH Staffordshire's non-urgent ambulance service is returning to the NHS from the private sector.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was today awarded the multi-million pound contract, after the decision was unchallenged by the end of an appeal period.

From August 1, it will take over from national company Parkwood, transporting 600 patients a day to hospital appointments after beating seven other organisations to secure the three-year deal.

The move will bring to an end the controversial three-year Parkwood contract which saw the company in dispute with its 90 staff for more than two years.