AN award-winning Huddersfield company has come up with an inexpensive and simple way to protect people from bird flu.

With fears that a pandemic could hit the UK, the Aire Group, Longwood, has swung into humanitarian action.

The firm - which has developed a system to cleanse ambulances of MRSA and jet fighters of anthrax - is prepared to equip people with protective hoods, masks and suits for just £50.

Aire Group chief executive Richard Bailey said: "It is absolutely vital that everyone who feels they need protection from the risk of catching bird flu should be able to afford it.

"That's why we are prepared to kit people out in suits, filtered masks and hoods so cheaply.

"They must be given every chance to stay healthy and our years of experience in the specialist rescue and decontamination industries has shown us the importance of being fully prepared, especially when time is critical."

The mask, hood and suit is ideal for frontline medical staff, poultry farmers and professionals who would have to deal with any outbreak.

P3 filters in the mask protect against viruses, bacteria and other micro-organisms along with hazardous liquids and radioactive particles.

The laminate suit gives protection against chemicals, powders, and liquids.

The Aire Group won the Queen's Award For Enterprise for its mobile Aireshower decontamination unit in 2001.

The Group is the UK's marketing partner for USA company Paratech and used to be known as Aireshelta. It has forged close links with emergency services all over the world.

It changed its name to The Aire Group to reflect its increasing expansion into innovative new products. The firm recently launched a new medical division.