Busy spots in Bradford are set to benefit from a new community medical unit, thanks to funding from the Yorkshire Ambulance Service Charitable Fund.

The vehicle will initially be used to provide a static ambulance facility in busy town and city centres on Friday and Saturday evenings and bank holidays.

It will also be used to provide support at large-scale events in the region including next month's Tour de France Grand Depart, which passes through Bradford district.

The unit will be staffed by an emergency care practitioner and an emergency care assistant. It is equipped to the same level as an ambulance and will provide on-scene medical treatment for patients with minor injuries and illnesses to free up ambulances to deal with more seriously-ill patients and relieve pressure on busy hospital emergency departments.

Erfana Mahmood, a non-executive director with Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust and chairman of the Yorkshire Ambulance Service Charitable Fund committee, said: “We are very excited about this new vehicle which can be used to support healthcare initiatives across different communities and make a real difference to people who need care and treatment for minor injuries and illnesses.