Plans to update and modernise St Neots Fire Station - including replacing the old drill tower - have been approved by Huntingdonshire District Council.

Plans submitted last September, made clear the existing buildings were “at the end of their serviceable life” and some will be demolished as they are “no longer fit for purpose”.

The proposal includes removing the existing drill tower, storage buildings and garages and replace them with a new training centre and steel drill tower, new storage facilities and a gymnasium.

Area commander Callum Faint, who is managing the project for Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “These improvements are much needed at St Neots as the current training facilities are out-of-date and it is important to invest in the provision of our frontline firefighters.”

Crews will train at other locations in the area during the construction period, which is likely to take six to nine months.