WILTSHIRE police has become the first force in the UK to select a diesel model as a rapid response car.

The force has chosen the Honda Accord Tourer I-CTDi as part of an attempt to extend the force's use of diesel vehicles.

Steve Botham, force fleet and services manager, said: "To aid both the environment and our fuel budget, our ongoing partnership with Honda and the new diesel accord enables us to achieve all these aims in one vehicle."

The force, which buys up to 50 vehicles a year, has also just taken delivery of eight new Honda Accord Diesel Tourers and two saloons.

Mark Jones, from Honda, said: "We are particularly pleased to be selected as a supplier to Wiltshire Police, given our close ties with the Swindon plant in this area. The Accord diesel is attracting a great interest among emergency fleet managers and response drivers."