STRETFORD fire station is one of four in Greater Manchester to receive some state-of-the-art equipment in the last 18 months.

The station is using its new engine with a turntable ladder (TTL) to help its firefighters to tackle tough incidents at huge heights.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue (GMFRS) has invested more than £2.5 million in the equipment in the last 18 months, with Manchester Central, Bolton Central and Whitehill fire stations also receiving a new engine with a TTL.

Dave Keelan, assistant county fire officer at GMFRS, said: "Public safety is our number one priority, and these new TTL appliances have already been put to great use by firefighters to tackle incidents quickly, efficiently and safely.

"GMFRS will continue to invest in frontline services to ensure firefighters are equipped with the latest technology and equipment to deliver the most effective response possible."

Some of the ladders are more than 40 metres long, putting them among the longest used by all the UK's fire and rescue services.

They allow firefighters to tackle incidents from above or in tall buildings, as well as to rescue people from tough-to-reach places.

Incidents in Greater Manchester attended by a new engine with a TTL include a fire at a restaurant in the city centre and a blaze at an abandoned recycling centre in Oldham.