WILTSHIRE Fire Brigade's radio system had to be shut down this week to allow urgent upgrade work to be carried out.

Engineers took part in work on all of the brigade's five hilltop sites, which required a complete shutdown of the system.

Officials say service was maintained while the repair work was carried out to the system.

The brigade says that much preparation and contingency planning had been carried to ensure that there was a smooth transition to the new equipment.

Divisional Officer Gus Cuthbert, head of the day-to-day operational work of the brigade, said: "I am delighted that everything has gone according to plan.

"A lot of precautionary work was carried out to keep the brigade operationally efficient.

"We can now look forward to a clearer, more stable radio network for the service across the county."