THE first updated decontamination unit to be used after a chemical or biological attack on Britain has arrived in Worcestershire.

Teams from Hereford and Worcester Fire Brigade have been learning to use the specially-designed tents, which can be put up within 20 minutes and contain showers to wash away harmful chemicals.

More than 190 of the purpose-built decontamination units and 80 new vehicles are being distributed across England and Wales, forming part of a £53m government drive to equip the country against any biological disasters.

Around 4,400 gas-tight suits have also been delivered to the nation's fire brigades, which will form a network of rapid response teams to cope with any chemical problems.

Fire chiefs said it was a coincidence that Worcestershire should have its decontamination unit before London, Birmingham and Manchester.

"This equipment is part of a Government package brought in following the terrorist attacks of 9/11," said Alec Mackie, spokesman for Hereford and Worcester Fire Brigade.

"Nationally the fire service has been charged with the responsibility of carrying out the decontamination of personnel in the event of anything like this happening.

"We carried out a number of training exercises earlier this month and, as a result the Government came up with specific equipment and training ideas, which we're now incorporating. We're one of the first brigades in the Midlands to begin our training."

The units allows up to 200 people per hour to be decontaminated in a controlled and closed environment.

A spokesman for the Office of the Deputy Prime minister, which is overseeing the funding, said the precise locations of where the vehicles and units will be stored, could not be revealed for security purposes.

"The units will be strategically deployed throughout the country and will increase the capability of the fire service's to tackle any chemical spillage's or problems," he said.