A SPECIALIST fire appliance in Huddersfield has been saved from the axe.

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service has reviewed its seven operational aerial appliances - otherwise known as turntable ladders or hydraulic platforms.

They are used for blazes in large buildings.

Only two of the seven in the county are being axed. Those at Stanningley in Leeds and Keighley will be withdrawn from service.

But those in Huddersfield, Bradford, Leeds, Halifax and Wakefield will remain.

Chief Fire Officer Phil Toase said in nine out of 10 call-outs, aerial appliances were turned back en route or stayed at the scene for less than 15 minutes.

Money saved will be spent on community fire safety work.

Clr Robert Light, chairman of the authority, said:

"Some authorities are considering disposing of aerials altogether because of the limited operational role they play."