RESIDENTS of Tyneside and Wearside are to get six new fire stations, a new brigade headquarters and new technical services centre.

The development follows a deal between the Tyne and Wear and Civil Defence Authority and Jarvis Accommodation Services.

Jarvis will design, build and manage the facilities, bringing two new fire stations each to Sunderland, Gateshead and Newcastle.

The new brigade headquarters will be located at Barmston Mere, Sunderland, next to the existing brigade training centre, which will be retained.

The technical services centre, which will house the brigade's vehicle service and store facilities, will be located in Gateshead.

Tyne and Wear Fire and Civil Defence Authority chairman Councillor Peter Young said: "The successful delivery of this project is a key element in achieving the vision of the authority."