SOLAR panels are set to be installed on ambulance across Yorkshire.

The Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust has been awarded a grant from the Department for Transport Clean Vehicle Technology Fund to install the panels.

The Trust was awarded £166,000 to fit the equipment on 175 of its rapid response vehicles as part of a Government initiative to reduce the impact of exhaust fumes on the environment.

The service - the first in England to use such equipment on its fleet - is looking to roll-out the solar-powered vehicles from November.

A spokeswoman said ambulances are often strategically located across the region on standby , awaiting the next emergency call, and staff are currently required to keep the vehicle engine running at all times to power vital electrical systems.

"The panels will power everything electrical in the vehicle and prevent car batteries from going flat when stationary," she said.

"It will also and also reduce emissions when RRVs are on ‘standby’ as the engine can be switched off whilst they are waiting for the next call."