THE boss of Warrington's ambulance service has hailed the exceptional performance of his hard-working heroes.

David Todhunter, chief executive of Mersey Regional Ambulance Service, has paid tribute to the efforts and commitment of his staff, following the publication of the service's annual performance figures.

The ambulance boss was upbeat in his comments about the commitment and dedication of paramedics, control staff and all those involved in the provision of emergency cover.

He said: "It was well documented that Mersey Regional Ambulance Service is one of the best, if not the best performing ambulance service in the country.

"It is also well known that the national target of reaching 75 per cent of life-threatening calls must be reported in March 2001.

"We at Mersey Regional reported 76.6 per cent in July, nine months ahead of schedule, and have continued to build on that solid base since then. I am particularly proud that the entire calendar year has produced a performance figure of 76.4 per cent.

"Performance has improved month on month and it is only right that I should now pay tribute to the exceptional work carried out by my staff and managers, without whose support and dedication this service would not be where it is today at the leading edge of pre-hospital care."