They may be used to handling red-hot situations but they have never had the coolest of uniforms.

But that's set to change for Bradford's firefighters.

From this week they will be sporting a new uniform in a bid to smarten up and present a single-status image to the public.

The new look - heavy duty short-sleeved shirts in dark navy and black trousers - are designed to be cool in the summer and warm in the winter and replace traditional white long-sleeved shirts which were dubbed impractical.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Kevin Arbuthnot said: "We're the latest brigade in the Yorkshire region to modernise firefighters' uniform, but we wanted an option which staff seemed happy with.

"Previously officers wore white shirts and firefighters wore blue. Then we decided that there shouldn't be any distinction and firefighters started to wear white shirts but found that they quickly became dishevelled and looked grubby."

Last October a government report into the running of West Yorkshire Fire Brigade highlighted difficulties with low morale and poor communication.

It said an attempt to improve the standing of the service in the community had been made by introducing a new uniform but this had failed because many staff saw it as being "militaristic and aggressive."

But Mr Arbuthnot said: "That was a very limited view of a trial. Some would say that the old uniform of shirt and tie was too militaristic, whereas this is more relaxed."

It took six months for the new uniforms to be developed in a joint venture with management and frontline firefighters.

"A variety of uniforms were tested out and we got feedback on them. In the end this was the style that was picked to be the best. You could say that its almost an American style," said Mr Arbuthnot.

Station Officer Harvey Stewart from Odsal fire station said: "Our first thoughts are that it's much smarter than before and very comfortable. It's definitely a step in the right direction. The old kit was fine for round the fire station but wasn't smart enough for meeting the public. It's a formal but relaxed look. It presents a corporate identity."

The new uniforms have been brought in at no extra cost to the existing budget and it is hoped that the heavy duty cotton will prove more lasting than the previous shirts. There are also more changes to come with an Autumn collection to be unveiled later incorporating fleeces and new style jackets.