DROITWICH Spa fire station had the honour of rolling out the UK's first mass decontamination unit last Thursday.

The Friar Street station now boasts state-of-the-art equipment to serve the Hereford and Worcester Fire Brigade - and any other part of Britain in the event of a chemical disaster.

The move is part of the Government's £56m New Dimension initiative to strategically position 190 decontamination units in Britain - prompted by the September 11 terrorist attack.

The unit could be used following a major factory fire, chemical spillage, terrorist attack or any incident where people come in to contact with dangerous substances.

The £100,000 unit looks similar to a small marquee and is separated into three main chambers - for women, men and the injured. It can be erected in seven minutes.

Brigade spokesman Alec Mackie said victims would first be asked to strip and don specially provided suits.

They would enter a changing room, where they must take off the suit, and move in to a shower cubicle for a two-minute wash down with detergent and a one minute water shower.

The injured would be put on stretchers and cleaned by emergency workers. Finally, each group of five moves into a drying chamber and fresh clothes are provided.

The tent would be situated outside of the disaster area and could process up to 200 people per hour. If required, units from across the country can be scrambled.

Mr Mackie says the unit is safe for children but pets are banned.

Staff from brigade stations are now flocking to the Spa for training. Droitwich was the first station to be equipped but neighbouring brigades should soon be ready to roll.