The first locally trained ambulance staff have started working on the Island.

Eight trainees attended a technician training course in their own time, followed by an advanced training course.

The training has been provided in response to changes in UK ambulance training and staffing arrangements, which threatened the Island's ability to provide sufficient staff to meet its needs.

Chief ambulance officer Steve Sieling says future recruitment problems had been compounded by services in the UK reducing the trainee placements for ambulance technician training.

He says the on-Island courses have been fully validated and accredited and are a great example of management and staff working together to resolve unforeseen difficulties.

Mr Sieling says gaining accreditation to run courses on the Island is a real achievement for the service, greatly reducing dependence on the UK and enhancing opportunities for local people to become ambulance staff here.

The newly-qualified technicians offer a bank of staff upon whom the service can call, and are already providing relief at the Douglas, Port Erin and Ramsey ambulance stations.

The training scheme has won the Department of Health and Social Security's Top Team Award.