A new state-of-the-art helicopter for West Mercia Police will have improved stability and be able to hover higher to reduce noise during evening searches.

The helicopter is be one of six announced by Government Minister Vernon Coaker yesterday.

It will become operational across the country from January next year and will replace the present EC135 shared by West Mercia and Staffordshire Police.

The helicopter uses daylight and thermal imaging cameras to search for fleeing criminals and assist in vehicle pursuits.

The new helicopter assigned to West Mercia, and based at Halfpenny Green Airport, will also be used in a pilot project in the Midlands where eight forces are working together for the first time on air operations.

They are trialling a system where the nearest available aircraft is sent to an incident, even if it means crossing force borders.