A STATE-of-the-art thermal-imaging camera will help Skipton firefighters find human casualties more quickly.

The £6,000 camera has been paid for by Skipton Properties.

The kit is used to detect heat given off by either a human casualty, enabling the person to be located quickly, or by a hidden fire which is giving off smoke but cannot be found.

Craven's fire group manager Tim Ralph said: "One of our main issues is making our responses as efficient as possible.

"Having equipment such as the new camera means that we can carry out searches thoroughly and quickly, freeing up crews to attend other calls, while still saving lives, preventing injury and minimising losses.

"This camera is a significant addition to our equipment. It is the only one of its type in the North Yorkshire Brigade."

Brian Verity, managing director of Skipton Properties, said: "All businesses and residents locally are potentially going to benefit from a better equipped fire station. Craven badly needs more kit like this."