THE future of the Fire Service College near Moreton has been secured.

The Ministry of Defence has announced that Capita, which runs the college, will be awarded the Defence Fire and Rescue Project contract worth up to £37 million a year for 12 years.

Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown has campaigned to protect and support this asset that is widely regarded as the best fire and rescue training centre in the world.

The contract will allow the Fire Service College, which is responsible for providing leadership, management and advanced operational training courses for senior UK fire officers, the British Armed Forces, and foreign fire services and militaries, to further improve and expand in the future.

Commenting on the contract, Sir Geoffrey said: “I am delighted that the Fire Service College’s international importance has been properly recognised by the awarding of this major contract.

"I have worked long and hard for many years to ensure that this institution is financially supported.

"This will secure much needed jobs in the Moreton-in-Marsh area and help to secure a good long-term future for the Fire Service College.

Chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Fire Safety and Rescue Group, Sir David Amess MP said: “On behalf of the entire All-Party Parliamentary Fire Safety and Rescue Group I am extremely happy that this contract has been awarded to Capita. "This is absolutely the right decision and rightly recognises the impressive facilities at the Fire Service College.

"Sir Geoffrey must get full credit for pressing the Government so hard to award this contract and I congratulate him on this success.”