LANCASHIRE Ambulance Service has once again had its position confirmed as one of the country's top performing services in response speed.

Figures released by the Government showed that the organisation is one of only two services in the country which met all three national targets for emergency response.

The service reached 78 per cent of life-threatening calls within the eight minute target and 95 per cent of all other 999 calls in line with the 19 minute target.

In addition, 96 per cent of GP urgent patients were transported to hospital within the agreed timescale compared to a target of 95 per cent.

David Hill, chief executive of Lancashire Ambulance Service NHS Trust, paid tribute to the efforts of the operational and control room staff.

He said: "At a time when there has been criticism of ambulance response times in some parts of the country, it will be reassuring to the people of Lancashire to know that we have maintained our track record of success."