West Mercia Police will be one of the first forces in the country to introduce a new digital radio service.

The force has signed a contract with BT to provide the new equipment, which is undergoing trials in Lancashire in the autumn.

The system will be introduced across Herefordshire and Worcestershire throughout next year.

Project spokesman David Powell said the new system offered "tremendous benefits", including giving officers access to the Police National Computer database via their personal radios.

"The new scheme will be more secure by allowing for the encryption of radio messages to combat eaves-droppers," he said.

Police say the introduction will be done with as little disruption as possible. The aim is to use existing masts and sites where possible.