FIREFIGHTERS at Hythe have taken another step forward in the world of hi-tech equipment.

Hythe has become the first wholly retained station in Hampshire to receive new mobile data terminal through the county fire and rescue service.

The computerised terminal was handed to Hythe station sub officer Phil Gittings by sub-officer Chas McGill of the county's communications department.

Sub-officer Gittings explained: "It is fitted into the cab of our appliance and will enable us to obtain accurate information on such things as hazardous substances.

"The computer can also talk directly to the commuter at headquarters, which cuts down the amount of radio traffic needed on a call and keeps headquarters aware of our location more accurately."

He added that everyone at the station had been trained to use the new equipment, which has been proved successful at other stations across the UK.

"It will also provide us with vital information en route to incidents at any major commercial premises which could contain hazardous materials or equipment," he said.

But if they are free of fire calls on the afternoon of Saturday, December 8, Hythe's firefighters will be linking up with the Hythe Fire Engine Preservation Society in the interests of festive cheer.

They will also be helping to ensure that Father Christmas doesn't have any mishaps on his arrival - possibly via the rooftops - in the Hythe village shopping centre.