Firefighters dealing with lorries in road accidents can now save vital minutes - and lives - following a partnership with ASDA.

The supermarket giant's distribution team have been visiting fire stations in Luton and Beds to show crews how to release the tractor cab from the trailer of a lorry, lift up the suspension and point out where the fuel tanks are found.

Because major roads such as the M1 and A1 pass through Bedfordshire the fire and rescue service has to deal with more than its fair share of lorry accidents.

ASDA is helping them to reduce deaths, injuries and time lost in road closures.

Beds and Luton fire service's Steve Spring said: "It is great for our crews to actually have the time to look at these vehicles closely and talk to experts about how best to make them safe in the event of an accident.

"Minutes can count in the case of an accident where someone is trapped in a car which has been involved in collision with a lorry, for instance. The quicker fire crews can release a victim, the greater chances of survival."

The partnership is believed to be the first of its kind in the country.