A NATIONAL private ambulance service has announced plans to double its 600-strong fleet after agreeing a three-year supply deal with Citroen.

M&L Ambulance Service is to take delivery of 200 Citroen C5 estates, Xsara Picassos and C8 people carriers, Xsara hatchbacks and specially converted Dispatch 900 and Relay vans every year for three years.

M&L will use the vehicles for patient transfers and to provide ambulances at large events such as concerts. To optimise their use, the Dispatch and Relays have been converted to include medical equipment, ramps for wheelchairs and are able to carry stretchers.

The ambulance service plans to use the vehicles for up to five years or 85,000 miles.