West Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust has taken delivery of the first of six Citroën Relay vans, which have been converted for frontline emergency ambulance duties.

The Relay HDi 160 - the largest and most powerful panel van available in the range - has been built to West Midlands Ambulance Service’s A&E specification, with added features so it can serve as an Alternative Response Vehicle (ARV).

West Midlands Ambulance Service’s regional head of fleet, Graham Cann, said: "The Citroën Relay ARV is unique in this country.

"It has taken a year to build while undergoing a series of rigorous test procedures.

"The ambulance is currently being used in training to ensure all staff fully understand how to use its many new features and specialist equipment.’

West Midlands Ambulance Service will retain the Relays for five years, in line with the Trust’s replacement programme.