THE New Year has got off with a flying start for the North-East's police helicopter, which has already been saving lives.

This week, the EC 135 Eurocopter, which has been hailed as a world leader, has responded to two major incidents.

The Eurocopter put its equipment to the test on Wednesday afternoon when it responded to a distress call in Tynemouth, of a fisherman stranded on rocks.

Visibility difficulties and high seas meant it was virtually impossible for the lifeboat to get close. No one was able to see or communicate with the fisherman and volunteer fire brigade members were considering using rope teams to get down the cliffs, putting their own lives in peril.

The Eurocopter crew used thermal imaging to quickly locate the man on the rocks, then communicated with him using the Sky Shout Public Address System, ensuring that he could clamber to safety.

North-East Air Support Unit manager Nigel Dunnill said: "The simple fact that the helicopter was able to hover at a low altitude and communicate with someone in difficulties saved a number of people from being put at serious risk."

The Eurocopter was tested again on Thursday, when it was called to a large fire in Scotswood, Newcastle, which resulted in the closure of the Scotswood Bridge.

By hovering above the bridge, the Eurocopter was able to monitor and advise on road closures.