THE EARL of Wessex unveiled the new Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters in Calcot, yesterday.

Although having been operational since October last year, HRH Prince Edward visited Newsham for an official opening ceremony.

Prince Edward watched a special demonstration by some of the county's finest officers who simulated a rescue from a car crash.

Using specialist cutting equipment they cut the roof of from the car and then rescued the casualty before putting them on a stretcher.

Pupils from Calcot Junior School, of Curtis Road, watched the demonstration and waved union flags as the Prince arrived just a day before his mother becomes the county's longest serving monarch.

He then went on to meet senior officers in the headquarters and visited the 999 centre before unveiling a plaque to honour his visit.

The Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service’s previous headquarters in Dee Road dates back to the late 1960s, but the building became cramped.

A premises survey showed that the building was suffering from extensive ‘concrete cancer’ and only had a working life of a few more years.

So the decision was made to move to a new site in Pincents Lane.

As of April this year, became home to the Thames Valley Fire Control Service, the shared emergency Control facility for Royal Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Services.

A spokesman for Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service said the £4m investment has created a better environment for staff.

The spokesman said: "It is more spacious, lighter and has surrounding countryside.

"All meetings of Royal Berkshire Fire Authority and many of its sub-committees now take place at the new headquarters, enabling more regular contact between councillors and staff. This also reduces costs, as RBFRS no longer needs to pay to use external venues.

"Newsham Court is a modern headquarters, reflecting the modern, innovative approach we will take to help the people of Berkshire lead safe and fulfilling lives."