A new "supervan" combining a mobile police station, CCTV and a command centre is being unveiled by Sussex Police.

The force believes it is the first time in England and Wales all three functions have been combined in one vehicle.

A five-strong fleet has been bought for £250,000 and one van will be permanently based in each police division.

Engineers converted the five Transits to bright yellow Divisional Support Vehicles.

Assistant Chief Constable Geoff Williams said: "They will provide a significant contribution towards reducing crime and disorder.

"They are high-visibility and will be used in conjunction with local authority partners to provide reassurance to the public."

Each is equipped with CCTV. A remote-controlled camera will be mounted on the roof.

The force said it meant CCTV could be used wherever and whenever needed.

Chief Inspector Lance Gray, commander for Brighton and Hove's East District, said: "The vehicles will assist in reducing anti-social behaviour and alcohol-related crime, disorder and nuisance in neighbourhoods outside the fixed CCTV systems.

"Intervention, especially at dusk in cul de sacs and outside parades of shops, does prevent the noise that reduces a community's feeling of safety."

The vehicles will be command centres in major incidents, including searches, and will give officers access to police computers.

John Patience, Brighton and Hove Communities Against Drugs development officer, said: "Their versatility makes them excellent value as they'll be working day and night."

They have been financed by the rural policing initiative project, partnership funding and councils.