An extra heavy-duty vehicle is on its way to West Yorkshire to help the fire and rescue service deal with major emergencies.

The vehicle is one of 50 additional lorries being supplied by the Government for the transportation of specialist equipment such as urban search and rescue (USAR) kit and mass decontamination units.

West Yorkshire, because of its strategic location, has the equipment based in Cleckheaton, Stanningley, Dewsbury and Wakefield. It also hosts the Fire and Rescue Service Co-ordination Centre which mobilises resources nationwide.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Simon Pilling, who is the brigade's head of operations, said: "These are very significant additions to the fleet and will enhance the ability of fire and rescue services to provide a more flexible operational response to national emergencies.

"The vehicles will be particularly beneficial when dealing with incidents such as widespread flooding and collapsed buildings.

"We very much welcome this reinforcement of the success of the partnership between central and local government in this important area of our work."