POLICE have said the introduction of the Airwave radio system has been a great success - just four weeks after the launch.

Concerns had been raised about the safety of the digital TETRA devices because of the possible radiation risk and the chance that they could interfere with vital electronic equipment, such as hospital machines.

But tests by the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB) identified no health hazards and proved they were safe to use.

The £1,000 mobile phone-style radios, which cannot be intercepted by criminals, will allow individual officers access to police computers directly while out on the streets.

The features of a standard mobile phone also mean that officers will be able to talk direct to members of the public without having to return to the station.

Inspector Dave Whittle, the man in charge of introducing Airwave to Eastern Division, said: "We are very pleased with the results. We always knew the radios would improve the way we communicate, but we are impressed with the whole system."

Developers are hoping within a few months the facilities, launched on Blackburn, Darwen, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley streets today, will also be extended to include text messaging on mobile and vehicle radios, touch screens in vehicles which will allow details of vehicles or individuals to be almost instantly accessed and automatic vehicle tracking.

The new system, which Lancashire piloted for the Police Information Technology Organisation, began with 300 staff in the force's Central Division in Preston.