LANCASHIRE'S fire engines are the best around, according to a government watchdog.

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service's fleet of fire engines have been singled out by the Audit Commission as the ultimate in innovative vehicle design.

Fire engine manufacturer TVAC and the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service worked together to create these cutting edge fire engines.

The designs are proving successful and have now been adopted by the London Fire Brigade and other fire brigades across the UK.

Lancashire's Chief Fire Officer, Peter Holland, said he was delighted with this recognition by the Audit Commission for the development team responsible for the design.

He added: "The result of a team between the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, TVAC of Leyland the vehicle is acknowledged within the manufacturing industry, and Government, to be at the forefront of the fire engine design and construction."