Paramedics get on their bicycles

Paramedics hope the bikes will improve response times

Paramedics in Dorset are to use bicycles to help them respond to emergency situations quicker.

Two fully-trained paramedics will work in Bournemouth town centre and along the seafront, using bikes fitted with sirens and blue lights.

The scheme follows a successful year-long trial by paramedics in Weymouth.

Dorset Ambulance NHS Trust says the big advantage of using bikes is that they can get to patients in places which ambulances might struggle to reach.

Ian Gregory, one of the paramedics taking part in the scheme, said: "We're hoping to make a difference down here to be honest.

"Hopefully, we'll be able to get the bikes through the crowds in Bournemouth quicker than we can get an ambulance to them."

The system gets under way in Bournemouth on Monday.