THEY looked more like Chitty Chitty Bang Bang than the modern, state-of-the-art patrol cars.

But the basic, compact Ford Anglias which took to the streets of the county full-time in 1966 were so effective that they changed policing in Britain forever.

The cars, which are celebrating their 30th birthday were an early example of the ground-breaking activities of police in the county.

Local officers were also the first in the country to carry personal radios and, around 30 years later, Lancashire was the first force in the country to appoint a woman as Chief Constable.

The tradition has continued with the force being chosen by the Home Office to work on updating the police radio network for the 21st Century. The vehicles, which cost around £500 each, were nicknamed Panda cars because their blue and white colouring resembled that of a cute, cuddly-looking animal, but they were soon doing a lion's share of the county's police work.

However, it took a successful trial in Kirkby in 1965 to convince police bosses that becoming mobile was the way forward.

Accrington was the first town in the country to get the Panda cars after the decision had been made. By 1967 they were on duty county-wide and the rest, as they say, is history.

The introduction of Panda cars had impressive results. In Kirkby, which was part of Lancashire 30 years ago, reported crime dropped by a third and detection rates went up by nine per cent.

Police morale soared and one report at the time noted: "They now feel able to deal more effectively with any situation which may arise, knowing that any calls for assistance will bring immediate help. "This has considerably reduced the number of assaults on police officers, which was part of the enjoyment of gangs of hooligans whose courage evaporates when faced by more than one policeman."

Today, Lancashire Constabulary has around 100 Vauxhall Astras filling the panda car role.

They are faster, better equipped and a million miles away from their predecessors.

But the contribution of the original panda car to modern policing has not been forgotten.

Assistant Chief Constable David Smith said: "The introduction of panda cars was typical of the pioneering and forward-thinking approach we are proud of in Lancashire.

"That innovative spirit is still serving us well today with, for instance, the introduction of street wardens in Accrington and the widespread use of CCTV cameras throughout the county."

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