A resort in Cornwall is to have its fire station staffed 24 hours a day over the summer for the first time.

The pilot project in Newquay will run from 1 July to 30 September and will also take place over Christmas and next Easter.

Part-time retained crews usually provide night-time cover for the town.

The fire service said it hoped the move would help improve safety, especially as the area saw huge population increases during holiday periods.

Cover demands

Chief fire officer Des Tidbury said: "The town of Newquay and the surrounding area sees the population increase by up to six times during peak periods of tourism.

"This equates to an increase to an estimated 100,000 people during these peak periods."

He added that volunteers were requested from all of the service's watches to keep Newquay Community Fire Station staffed during the project.

Falmouth and Camborne are the only two stations in Cornwall which are currently staffed 24 hours a day.

Elsewhere in the county retained crews staff stations during the day or are called to duty from home or work.

Councillors in the resort have previously demanded fire cover be increased to a 24-hour service all year round.

Cornwall Council said the project was not causing any additional costs to tax-payers and the project will be evaluated when it ends.

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