NORTH Wales Fire Service has taken delivery of 12 Citroen Berlingo Multispace 2.0 HDi cars and one Berlingo van for its fleet.

Dave Bond, North Wales Fire Service's fleet manager, said: 'The new Berlingo Multispace is a highly cost-effective and economical solution for a wide range of operational transport duties. They have ample space to carry up to five firemen, with all their boots, leggings, helmets and other equipment to training courses.

'In addition these vehicles will be used to transport officers on commercial and other public training duties and can easily double up as vans.'

Three of the new Berlingo Multispaces are also equipped to act as response units at major incidents. They include Home Office communication equipment and removable roof pods containing blue lights and audible warning sirens.

Each of the Berlingo Multispaces will cover about 60,000 miles during their five years with the service. They join a fleet that includes 200 vehicles and 400 items of plant based at 44 fire stations across the country.