HONDA doesn't just make great car ads - the firm is making Wiltshire Ambulance Service's job easier.

The South Marston based car maker presented the service with four Honda CR-V rapid response vehicles, especially adapted for the emergency service.

"The project was started several months ago when Honda UK, Woodway Eng- ineering and a group of operational staff from Swin-don Ambulance Station, met at Woodway's site in the West Midlands and started with a blank piece of paper," said ambulance service spokesman Geoff Todd.

"The culmination of the excellent teamwork and co-operation from all parties is seen in the two vehicles allocated to Swindon station, now providing 15 hours of cover each day, seven days a week. The other two vehicles are in Salisbury and Trow-bridge."

The vehicles provide ambulance staff with modern technical requirements such as satellite navigation, which is a must so that addresses and routes can be located quickly.

Hands free radio and telephones are other safety measures.

The emergency markings and warning system was made to specific requirements by Woodway and includes the latest design.

Mr Todd added: "The rear of the CR-V has been fitted out with a made-to-measure cage/compartment system that allows all of the medical equipment to be carried safely and securely, but immediately ready to hand for staff when they arrive on the scene.

"The design features include special compartments for carrying spare oxygen cylinders, burns dressings and secure cupboards for equipment."

The vehicles are targeted at Category A calls, which are deemed as life threatening.

The response is designed so the crew can be on scene within eight minutes of the emergency call being made.

The four-wheel drive Hondas can get to places other ambulances cannot reach, and through bad weather such as snow and ice.