WEST Mercia Constabulary's helicopter is to be replaced at a cost of more than £2m.
The helicopter will need replacing in 2010 to meet new civil aviation authority safety regulations for night flying.
The force is placing an order for the aircraft at a cost of £2.154m. It will receive a £900,000 grant from the Home Office to help with the cost.
West Mercia will continue to share its helicopter with Staffordshire Police.
The helicopter is used for searches, photography, gathering evidence, reconnaissance and containment as well as transporting specialist staff to incidents and evacuating casualties from accidents.
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