The new headquarters of the Cornwall Fire, Rescue and Community Safety Service has been officially opened by HRH the Duke of Kent.

Firefighters, officers, control and corporate staff from the service gathered at the new HQ at Tolvaddon, Camborne, to greet the royal party. They were joined by local councillors and dignitaries from the region.

During the visit the Duke was shown around the new headquarters, which became operational on September 1, and there was also a multi-emergency service display.

Before officially opening the building and unveiling the plaque to commemorate the occasion, His Royal Highness met members of the fire control personnel, architects and builders of the new headquarters as well as the Prince's Trust Team who won the Community Safety Cup 2015. The Duke was also invited to present Queen’s Long Service and Good Conduct Medals to staff.

The new HQ is the final stage in the Camborne, Pool, Redruth and Hayle emergency cover programme which involved relocating Camborne and Redruth Community Fire Stations, as well as critical support services including fire control, training and development and engineering workshops and stores, to two new sites in Tolvaddon and Hayle. The relocation to the new station and facilities is expected to save the service around £500,000 a year in maintenance, running and operational costs.

Councillor Geoff Brown, Cornwall Council portfolio holder for communities, said: “I am delighted that His Royal Highness was able to join us and open this exciting new project, which is a tribute to the vision of the leadership team and was delivered on time and within budget by the contractors, Kier. The new Fire HQ will be a fitting building to house our outstanding, dedicated and committed team who work tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of the people of Cornwall.”

Paul Walker, chief fire officer, added: “It has been a very proud day for Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service and we were delighted to welcome HRH Duke of Kent to open our new service headquarters in Tolvaddon. It was also a wonderful day for the seven members of staff receiving their Fire and Rescue Services Long Service and Good Conduct medal in recognition of 20 years dedicated service.

"The formal opening ceremony was a celebratory occasion to recognise the professionalism and dedication of all staff and partners involved in this project. I am very grateful for the commitment, support and scrutiny provided by Cornwall Council members which has helped deliver these fantastic new facilities. We very much look forward to being a part of the Tolvaddon community as we continue to develop and deliver our wide range of services by 'Working Together to make Cornwall safer.'"