BURY'S Rapid Response Ambulance is to expand its service to cover Rochdale.

Greater Manchester Ambulance Service (GMAS) has announced that the fast-response vehicle will operate from bases in both towns rather than from its current deployment post at Bury Ambulance Station.

In future, the rapid-response vehicle (RRV) will provide immediate response to life-threatening incidents in both Bury and Rochdale.

The RRV was launched in Bury and other parts of Greater Manchester last year in a blaze of publicity. It is designed to reach life-threatening incidents, code reds, faster than standard ambulances.

A paramedic works alone and provides immediate first-aid to casualties until back-up arrives. The RRV paramedic is then free to attend other incidents, rather than take patients to hospital. Two RRVs will continue to provide emergency cover in Bolton.

A GMAS spokesman said: "The vehicle will continue to provide immediate response in both Bury and Rochdale, operating from differing bases at differing times.