STATE-of-the-art equipment and two new firefighters will arrive at Malvern Fire Station next year.

As part of a reshuffle to make specialist equipment more widely available, Hereford and Worcester Combined Fire Authority has agreed to scrap two Emergency Tenders based in Worcester and Hereford and upgrade all the fire engines across the two counties from April.

At the meeting in Worcester last week, it was agreed that one of the 15 upgraded 'Rescue Pumps', which will carry high-end cutters, spreaders and other specialist equipment, would be based in Malvern. The remaining appliances in the brigade will also receive upgraded equipment. Sixteen firefighters who currently operate the Emergency Tenders will be transferred to stations around the two counties, with Malvern receiving two.

Station commander Ian Seward said he was delighted at the news.

"As far as the two extra personnel to Malvern are concerned, they would be most welcome and are desperately needed," he said. "This is because Malvern, as well as providing firefighting cover, has a number of specialisms which require dedicated operators."

The reshuffle aims to increase the availability of specialist equipment at road accidents within the 'golden hour' after the accident happens. The Emergency Tenders will remain in service until training of personnel on the new equipment is completed in July 2003.