A POLICE helicopter is to go on patrol 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

Lancashire police's helicopter will be on permanent stand-by from April for the first time since it was officially launched in 1995.

The extra £100,000 a year costs will be paid by headquarters with the backing of the Police Federation.

The helicopter, is based at BAE Systems in Warton, stands idle during the early hours of the morning.

If cover is needed Great Manchester and Merseyside police provide their aircraft for Lancashire's use. The new proposals mean that the three forces will still co-operate to provide extra cover at all times.

Over the last five years the helicopter has made more than 6,500 flights and been involved in over 1,000 arrests.

Other tasks have included helping organise and police major public events and searching for missing people.

Inspector Steve Fitzgerald, head of Lancashire's air support unit, said: "The assistance of the helicopter to operational officers is no longer considered an expensive luxury.Today it is viewed as an integral part of policing the county and is recognised by officers because of the important part it can play in the many aspects of policing."

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