PIONEERING shelters invented by an East Lancashire designer are now vital for rescue operations both in Kosovo and closer to home.

Demand is increasing daily for Richard Bailey's award-winning inflatable buildings which are being used in the Balkans to shelter refugees and Nato troops.

And Lancashire Ambulance Service also has Richard's latest hi-tech invention, "Aireshowers", on stand-by ready to help decontaminate casualties in case of a chemical spill.

Yesterday ambulance staff put the Aireshowers to the test in a staged simulation of how they would cope with an emergency situation involving contaminated victims.

Richard 42, of Hurst Green, said: "This system's strength is its sheer flexibility. It can be taken anywhere quickly, inflated at the scene instantly and allows patients to be treated and decontaminated in comfort, protected from the weather.

"By investing in this equipment Lancashire Ambulance Service has proved its commitment to making sure it is ready to deal with any contamination emergency and has put the safety of Lancashire people and its own staff at the top of the agenda."

Straight after yesterday's ambulance service demonstration in Whalley, Richard headed down the M1 to London for discussions with the Minstry of Defence about exporting more of his shelters to Albania.

He said: "The supply of these shelters just cannot meet the demand for them, so we are trying to keep up with the orders as best we can. We are just trying to do our bit to house the refugees."

Richard's Huddersfield-based business, Aireshelta Ltd, hit the headlines in 1997 when it made the world's largest inflatable garage for Britain's Thrust supersonic car when it smashed the world land speed record and the sound barrier.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.