Hampshire Fire Authority has decided to increase cover in the Havant area and staff the town's fire station 24 hours a day.

But while it is a good day for Havant, it will be a sad day in Copnor, Portsmouth, which will see its station close for good.

At the moment Havant Fire Station has a crew of 13, who are on standby at night.

But under the new regime, there will be 32 full-time firefighters and 14 retained firefighters working through the day and night.

Delighted firefighters say it will mean response times become even quicker and they will be able to spread the fire safety message more strongly.

Ian Gray, Havant group manager, said: 'We don't only cover Havant town centre but surrounding areas and the major transport routes which run through the borough.

'Having a continuously-crewed station will improve our response times in incidents where every second matters.'

The extra firefighters have been transferred from Copnor fire station.

Hampshire Fire Authority said that Portsmouth had adequate provision from Southsea and Cosham fire stations.

But with a growing population of 120,000, it was decided that more cover was needed for Havant.

By working in the evening, firefighters will be able to visit more homes and install fire alarms. It is Hampshire Fire Authority's aim to have every home in the county fitted with at least one fire alarm by 2010.

The new regime has brought about a refurbishment of the fire station in Park Way. Havant station manager Tom Jones said: 'The station has undergone a major refurbishment in order to accommodate the additional fire personnel. We've expanded the recreational and mess areas, installed an open-plan kitchen as well as a new locker room, dormitory and lecture room.

'We're pleased with the results and are sure the people of Havant will appreciate the additional service being made available to them.'