PLANS for a unique emergency service station in Barnard Castle has been welcomed.

Funding of £3.78m has been awarded to emergency services in County Durham to build a unique station, set to be the first of its kind in the country.

The award will be used to build a joint emergency services station to house fire, police and ambulance services as well as the mountain rescue team.

Stuart Errington, County Durham and Darlington’s deputy chief fire officer, said: “This project will maintain and improve on the emergency services provided in a key area of County Durham for many years to come. It will also bring significant capital investment into the Teesdale area.”

Councillor Michele Hodgson, chair of County Durham and Darlington Fire Authority, added: “We are being challenged to transform the way we deliver services through collaboration and this award demonstrates that we are rising to this challenge.

The proposal is to build the new station on the site of the existing station in Barnard Castle, which would be demolished.

Ron Hogg, Durham Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “Not only will this innovative project continue to improve services to the local community, it will also bring financial savings to the partners involved. It is an excellent example of partnership working at its best.”

Paul Liversidge, North East Ambulance Service chief operating officer, said: “NEAS has a strong working relationship with all the other emergency services in the North East, and sharing a base with fellow professionals who work to protect and help the public, will be a fruitful arrangement.”