New search and rescue criticised

Contracts for the new operation are due to be awarded within two years

A former air force commanding officer has criticised government plans which will effectively privatise the UK's search and rescue helicopter service.

In 2012 rescue helicopters at RNAS Culdrose in Cornwall and RAF Chivenor in Devon along with 10 others will be replaced with a civilian operation.

Group Capt Mike Trace said the new system would be less able to carry out difficult rescues.

The MoD said it is too early to say what the new service would be like.

Civilian operation

After 40 years the Sea King helicopter is coming to the end of its working life.

Designed in the 1960s the Sea King will be replaced by a service provided by a commercial organisation with aircraft bought under a Private Finance Initiative.

British International Helicopters - which flies between Penzance and the Isles of Scilly - is involved in one of the three groups who are bidding for the work.

But there is concern the new civilian operation will not have as many aircraft as the current military set up.

Mr Trace, who retired 10 years ago from RAF St Mawgan, is worried about what it will mean for search and rescue operations.

The MoD said the new harmonised rescue service would provide better value for the taxpayer.

Mr Trace added: "Think back to Boscastle three years ago, six aircraft all in a line waiting to do their rescues in turn. I think that's going to be a thing of the past I'm sad to say."