A revolutionary piece of equipment introduced to Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service three years ago, has proved its worth, by assisting the service in multiple operations time and time again.

Since its introduction in 2016, the specialist drone has completed more than 2,000 flights and does everything from assessing buildings for damage and fire spread, to identifying hazards.

It is also used in non-fire related incidents and assists with boat rescues and helps to find missing people.

The endorsement of the technology even helped LFRS to become the first fire and rescue service to locate a missing person using a drone.

And during Dementia Action Week, which runs until Sunday, LFRS have expressed their gratitude at having the drone in operation within the service.

A spokesperson for the brigade said: "This Dementia Action Week we're especially grateful that we have the drone as we've been able to find missing people who live with dementia who've unknowingly left the house at night and forgotten where they live."

The pioneering and innovative piece of equipment was part funded by money seized from criminals under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

A total of £10,000 was given to LFRS by Police and Crime Commissioner, Clive Grunshaw, to help pay for the cost of purchasing the device and training staff to use it.

The drone provides an 'eye in the sky' to help firefighters fight fires more effectively, and the infra-red capability can help identify fires burning within a structure that would not be visible to the naked eye.