A RURAL emergency services centre could be built in Wensleydale if a partnership deal can be struck.

The development would include a 24-hour-manned ambulance station, with facilities for other services, such as fell rescue, tacked on.

The centre, the first of its kind in North Yorkshire, could be developed at the former Preston's garage, on the outskirts of Bainbridge, which has been on the market for some time.

Although a deal has not yet been finalised, the Tees, East and North Yorkshire Ambulance Service(Tenyas) is in talks with the owners of the site.

Tenyas has already pledged to boost its coverage of Wensleydale and Swaledale by investing in a 24-hour manned station at Bainbridge.

The current village ambulance station is too small and development of a new site would give other emergency service organisations, many staffed by volunteers, the chance to share its base.

Planning consent would be needed from the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority before the development could take place but supporters are hopeful.

Coun John Blackie, the area's county and district councillor, said: "If the ambulance service is considering buying property, it reflects a long-term commitment to the area. If that is the case, it seems sensible new facilities for other organisations could be included in the proposals."

A first responders scheme - which trains volunteers to use defibrillators - and the introduction of voluntary fire marshals are two projects already embraced by community.

Others include Neighbourhood Watch, Farm Watch and Dales Watch and the Swaledale Fell Rescue team. The cost of adding community facilities to the new ambulance station would be about £40,000.

North Yorkshire County Council will be asked to contribute at least £2,500 when its Richmondshire area committee meets in Richmond on Monday.